Tanauan Tightens Rules for MCH, E-Trikes, Pedicabs

• Tanauan, Leyte enforces traffic rules for motorcabs, e-trikes, and pedicabs after fatal accidents. Drivers were briefed Feb. 10 on regulations to improve road safety.

Rolly Magallanes 5 months ago 1.3 K

Posted on Feb. 15, 2026 at 3:57 pm

TANAUAN, Leyte — The Municipal Government of Tanauan is implementing traffic rules for motorcab (MCH), e‑trike, and pedicab operators to enhance road safety following several fatal accidents in the area.

At a briefing held by the Tanauan Traffic Office on February 10, 2026, drivers were instructed to adhere strictly to traffic regulations. The session was led by Traffic Head Officer Gualberto Mesias, accompanied by a retired member of the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasizing proper vehicle operation and public safety.

The rules are based on Resolution No. 2000‑119, issued on July 19, 2000, which governs the use, operation, and maintenance of motor vehicles, motorcabs, and pedicabs for hire and private use.

This initiative comes in response to ongoing concerns about road accidents in the municipality. In 2025, a tragic collision in Barangay Mohon involving a motorcycle and a truck resulted in the deaths of a father and his son, highlighting persistent safety hazards on local roads.

According to the ordinance, pedicabs are not allowed to travel on Real Street and other national highways unless there are no alternative accessible routes. All public utility vehicles operating in Tanauan must obtain and display an assigned police number. Drivers and vehicle owners must register with the local police for proper numbering.

The assigned number must be painted in a dark color on a 9×9‑inch white square at the rear and displayed at the front for visibility. Identification stickers must also be affixed inside vehicles for passenger reference.

Drivers were also reminded that individuals under 18 years old are prohibited from driving. Motorcab operators must wear appropriate footwear and are not allowed to drive barefoot or in slippers, while pedicab drivers may wear slippers but must not operate barefoot.

Smoking while driving is strictly forbidden. Drivers must ensure that their citation tickets are valid, as they are only valid for 72 hours. No vehicle may be used for private or public purposes without obtaining a license from the Municipal Treasurer’s Licensing Office, in addition to the standard license or franchise required by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for motor vehicles.

Violators may face fines ranging from ₱100 to ₱1,000, with the most severe penalties imposed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The municipal government urged all drivers to adhere to the regulations to uphold public order and safety on Tanauan’s roads.

(Photos by: The Vanguard)