With the directive of the President to eliminate overregulation and promote efficiency of government processes, Valenzuela City adheres to "heal as one" with the entire country -- continuing the advocacy to grant relief to Valenzuelanos with the passage of "Tigil Pasada, Tigil Multa" ordinances.  

Still under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period, drivers of public tricycles, pedicabs and e-trikes all faced worries as they experience the suspension of mass public transportation. With their terminals closed and with no means to earn a living, payment dues for renewal of permits knocked. No payment would mean penalties will be imposed – another problem that awaits them as soon as the ECQ is lifted.

Thankfully, personal filing and processing of documents and payments have been put on hold as a suggestive measure within the period of State of National Emergency.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in its first advisory dated March 25, 2020,  allows for the “extension on validity of permits, licenses, certifications, and other similar authorizations that are expiring within the period of State of National Emergency, particularly licenses which application for renewal or extension may not be filed, processed, or are pending approval to the ECQ.” The advisory is anchored on the recently passed Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To strengthen the implementation of this, the Valenzuela City Council approves three (3) ordinances waiving the penalties and surcharges for the late renewal of registration and other pertinent permits of pedicabs, motorized tricycles, and e-trikes.

The ordinances also cover private utility pedicabs, private motorized tricycles and private e-trikes, heaving a sigh of relief for both private and public utility owners of pedicabs, tricycles and e-trikes.

Under Ordinance No. 682, Series of 2020, also known as “PODA Tigil Pasada, Tigil Multa Ordinance”, an amnesty on penalties and surcharges is awarded for the late renewal of the Registration, Permit to Operate, and Driver’s Permit for public utility pedicabs. The same amnesty applies for the late renewal of Registration and Driver’s Permit for private utility pedicabs.

The “TODA Tigil Pasada, Tigil Multa Ordinance” or Ordinance No. 683, Series of 2020, on the other hand, waives the penalties and surcharges on the late renewal of the Franchise, Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP), and Tricycle Driver’s Registration Identification Card (ID) for public utility tricycles. It also covers the late renewal of Registration, annual regulation fare sticker, and Tricycle Driver’s Registration ID for private motorized tricycles.

Ordinance 684, Series of 2020, otherwise known as the “E-Trike Tigil Pasada, Tigil Multa Ordinance”, also grants amnesty on penalties and surcharges for the late renewal of Registration, Supervision Permit, and Driver’s Permit for both public and private e-trikes.

Further, an extension of thirty (30) days from the lifting of the ECQ will be granted to drivers, owners and operators to process the requirements for renewal of their pedicabs, motor vehicles and e-trikes. The amnesty shall apply to all renewals due for the month of March until 30 days after the ECQ have been lifted.

All three ordinances were authored by District 1 Councilor Ricardo Ricarr C. Enriquez and were enacted on March 30, 2020 during the 33^rd Regular Session of the 8^th City Council of Valenzuela.