MEDINA, Misamis Oriental — The Sangguniang Bayan is looking into whether colorum transport units, including “bao-bao,” tricabs, motorelas and sidecars, can be given a path to legal operation in the municipality.
The issue was discussed during the SB’s regular session on Sept. 22, as councilors considered how to address the growing reliance of residents on alternative transport while enforcing existing transportation rules.
Councilor Philip Tarongoy urged operators of colorum tricabs and “bao-bao” units to secure the required permits and legalize their operations.
“Kinahanglan wala nay colorum mag-operate sa Medina,” Tarongoy said, stressing that operators should comply with government requirements.
But Councilor Esmael Naguib Jr. said the municipality first needs to determine whether “bao-bao” operations are allowed under existing national regulations.
Naguib cited Land Transportation Office Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2227, which classifies “bao-bao” as a non-conventional vehicle (NCV). He said the SB also needs to clarify whether such units can legally operate as public transportation.
Naguib said registration with the LTO would be necessary before an operator could secure a local permit to operate, noting that LTO registration is among the requirements for obtaining such a permit.
He said the municipality could consider the operators’ situation on humanitarian grounds while the legal issues are being studied.
Naguib noted that “bao-bao” units have become an important transport option for residents as motorelas and sidecars have become less available.
He said the goal is not simply to allow colorum operations but to find a way to address the transportation needs of residents while ensuring compliance with national rules on vehicle registration and permits.
The SB is expected to further study the matter before determining what action the municipality can legally take.
