5 hours Ago
The House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill mandating a government subsidy for the payment of tricycle drivers and operators' Social Security System premiums, among other benefits for the sector, on third and final reading. This happened after House Bill 11227 or An Act Providing for a Magna Carta for Tricycle Drivers and Operators got 188 yes votes before the House plenary session. Under the bill, the state-run SSS and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are required to promulgate guidelines for membership of the members of the tricycle sector within 90 days.
Likewise, the bill provides that its implementing rules and regulations should include the guidelines for the allocation of the fund for subsidizing the SSS or PhilHealth premiums of the members of the tricycle sector and the programs that will benefit them. Other benefits provided for under the bill include: “This bill is for the promotion of the total well-being of the members of the tricycle sector by providing adequate and timely social, economic, and legal services, as well as with a mechanism to protect their rights,” the committee report on the measure read. Further, the measure grants the local government units through the authority to regulate the operation of tricycles and to issue permit to operate to tricycle operators in accordance with their respective Local Public Transport Route Plan and subject to the guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“This will also ensure the compliance of the tricycle sector with laws and regulations in order to protect the right of the people to a safe and healthy environment,” the committee report added. — BM, GMA Integrated News.
