FATODA stays with old P7 rate
DISMAYED BY MAYOR’S VETO
TRICYCLE drivers and operators in Dagupan have decided to give up on their request for a hike in fares expressing dismay over Mayor Benjamin Lim’a veto of the ordinance increasing the fare from P7 to P10 for the first two kilometers.
Dominador Tagana, president of the Federation of Accredited Tricycle Drivers and Operators of Dagupan (FATODA), said his group will no longer lobby for a reconsideration of the mayor’s decision.
He did not elaborate on the reason for it.
Tagana added that his members will now just depend on the “generosity and understanding” of passengers to pay more in consideration of their plight in view of the continuing increase in fuel prices.
“We will appeal to the passengers’ understanding to spare a few pesos more but if they wont, we will not insist,” he said.
Tagana acknowledged that the eight members of the majority in the SP are one vote short to override the mayor’s veto as the stipulated in the Local Government Code.
The four members of the SP belonging to the minority, led by Lim’s son Councilor Brian Lim, are reportedly not willing to join the majority in overriding the veto although they voted for the passage of the ordinance.
Under the SP-approved ordinance, the minimum rate will be increased to P10 for the first two kilometers.
Lim vetoed the ordinance, asserting that the minimum fare be set at P10 but for the first three kilometers, not two.
Lim wanted the SP to conduct a broader consultation on the issue involving stakeholders but Tagana rejected the call saying P10 for the first two kilometers is what they need to cope with their costs of operation and maintenance.
With the veto, tricycle fare remains at the old rate of P7 for the first four kilometers, which was approved in 2006.
LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE
Meanwhile, FATODA received a P500,000 check as livelihood assistance from Fourth District Rep. Gina De Venecia, to its members last July 16.
The turnover was attended by Rep. De Venecia’s husband, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.
“Mabuti pa and mga De Venecia at si Vice Mayor Belen naiintindihan nila ang kalagayan namin,” said Tagana.
The P500,000 fund will be spent for the wholesale purchase of spare parts and NFA rice to be re-sold to their members.
“We will safeguard the funds and will ensure that through our livelihood ventures, it will grow,” Tagana pledged at the turnover.
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