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har·bin·ger | \ˈhär-bən-jər\
1. one that initiates a major change: a person or thing that originates or helps open up a new activity, method, or technology; pioneer.
2. something that foreshadows a future event : something that gives an anticipatory sign of what is to come.
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The Philippines has bannede-bikes, e-trikes and e-scooters on major roads and highways, starting with national roads in Metro Manila.
This is due to concerns regarding the safety of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) operating alongside faster-moving vehicles on major roads.
The ban, imposed on 2 January by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), encompasses e-vehicles only capable of operating at 25-50 km/h as part of its goal to improve the flow of traffic and road safety. Penalties for violation range from a fine of 2,500 Philippine pesos (roughly $44) to potential vehicle impoundment.
The ban affects mainly e-bikes and e-trikes, which comprise 92.41% of electric vehicles in the country. The Philippines is trying to shift to a more environmentally-friendly transportation system that will help the nation’s fight against the climate crisis.
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But even before its implementation, the ban’s legality was questioned. Congressman Teddy Ridon slammed the LTO for their violation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) law, which states that LEVs are allowed to be used on local and national roads.
The EVIDA law, which aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles for a greener transportation system, also says that LEVs do not require registration and therefore cannot be impounded.
In response, LTO chief assistant secretary Markus Lacanilao doubled down on the ban, sayingreports of its illegality were incorrect. In a media briefing, Lacanilao clarified that only LEVs weighing 50kg or less would be barred from using public highways, emphasising that they should only be designated for private use.
The ban has drawn mixed responses from the public, with some expressing satisfactionabout the removal of LEVs on major roads, citing them as accident-prone and recklessly driven.
“I have to agree [with the ban] because e-bikes can be a disruption to major roads and it’s definitely a hazard since they don’t have the same safety mechanisms as cars,” a local commuter told Harbingers’ Magazine.
However, other Filipinos have expressed concerns over its possible impact on their daily commutes and livelihoods. An e-bike driver spoke to Harbingers’ about his worries about the ban’s effect, saying it would completely wipe out his only source of income.
“I understand that the law is the law and the ban is meant to improve road safety, but the government should understand that we don’t have the funds to buy other vehicles that can be driven,” he said.
As concerns like this arise, the LTO assures the public that they are working on developing suitable alternative roads for LEV drivers and commuters to use. In the meantime, many of them will have to stop using e-bikes and resort to other means of transport such as public transit.
Born in 2008 in the Philippines, Ryleigh is currently studying in Manila. She is interested in journalism, literature, science and health.
In her spare time, Ryleigh writes short fiction and reads literature within the genres of romance, comedy and horror. Her journey as a writer officially started at the age of 11, when she was given an opportunity to join her school’s paper as a news writer.
Having grown up in a bilingual household, Ryleigh is fluent in Filipino and English.
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