THE barangay chief executive of Puerto in Cagayan de Oro City maintained that the move to regulate rickshaws (known by the brand Bajaj) and "tri-cabs," also known as "bao-bao," along the national highway is necessary to avoid traffic problems.
Ian Achas, the village chief, said these public transport vehicles from neighboring barangays have been causing traffic congestion, prompting the officials to hold them at the boundary of Barangay Puerto.
Achas has asked the neighboring barangays and towns in Misamis Oriental to limit the "Bajaj" and "bao-bao" so it will not cause traffic problems.
"Naghangyo lang ko nga limitahan nato dili padaghanon kay kung walay mag-regulate, kita commuters nga gaagi sa Puerto ang maperwisyo sa traffic (I am just asking to limit these vehicles because no one regulates it. We commuters in Puerto have experienced the inconveniences in the heavy traffic it caused)," Achas said.
Achas said the barangay has been allowing "Bajaj" and "bao-bao" that carry senior citizens, students and passengers with emergency purposes.
"Naghatag man ta consideration nga pwede nato ipalahos ang mga bajaj and bao-bao (we give considerations on who can ride these vehicles)," he added.
The village chief also insisted the implementation of traffic laws and ordinances.
"Ako mo-stand ko sa akong ground kay dili nako i-sakripisyo ang akong barangay. Mo insist ko nga i-implement ang balaod aron hapsay ang atong dalan (I will stand on my ground because I won't sacrifice my barangay. I would insist on implementing the local law in order for a smooth traffic)," Achas said.