THE Davao City Council has approved amendments to the Comprehensive Traffic Code, extending the validity of the Motorized Transport Operator’s Permit (MTOP) fees from one to two years.
During its third and final reading on February 18, 2025, the council passed City Ordinance No. 0334-12, which was proposed by Councilor Conrado Baluran, chair of the committee on transportation and communications.
The ordinance revisits provisions of the 2012 traffic code to address the city's evolving road conditions.
One of the key changes requires MTOP applicants to secure a barangay certification confirming access to a private parking area. If the applicant is not a driver, the same certification must still be provided.
The amendment also adjusts regulatory fees, now requiring the supervision fee to be paid every two years by September 30 and the business permit fee by January 20.
Another amendment to Section 91 changes how collected funds are managed and introduces a two-year franchise fee.
Meanwhile, revisions to Section 92 now allow applicants to register up to five units under a single MTOP franchise, which will also be valid for two years.
Additionally, motorcycles with an engine capacity of 100cc and above are now eligible for an MTOP franchise or Motorcycle for Hire (MTH) registration.
Baluran said that the revisions aim to encourage more motorcycle operators to register legally. At present, only 5,000 of the 15,000 motorcycles operating as transport services in the city have proper MTOPs.
By easing the registration process and offering incentives, the council hopes to integrate more operators into the legal system.
“We want to encourage those operating without permits by giving them incentives. This way, their operations can become legal,” he said during a council session on February 11.
Chona Advincula, head of the CTTMO’s Motorized Vehicle Franchise and Regulatory Division, welcomed the amendments, noting that they would provide financial relief to operators.
“Pabor na kaayo ni para sa ilaha dako na kaayo ang ilahang natipid ba kumbaga dako na kaayo to nga tabang (This is a big help for them—it saves them a lot of money),” she said.
City Transport and Traffic Management Board Representative Atty. Eduardo Perez IV confirmed in a media interview that motorcycle operators would now pay P1,990 for registration and franchise fees every two years, instead of making annual payments.
The MTOP, issued by the CTTMO, grants motorcycles the right to operate as tricycles-for-hire within designated zones in the city. With these changes, city officials hope to streamline the process and encourage compliance, ultimately improving Davao’s transport system. RGP