They are a sight to see, but these motorcycles that carry more than two passengers beyond what is authorized by law are not just for pleasure trips but to ferry people to hardly accessible areas.

Popularly known as “habal-habal”, these single motorcycle units can be seen loaded with five or even seven people at one time, with the driver already perched on the gas tank.

Some of them also have extension seats attached to the sides to allow for extra baggage.

While the “habal-habal” is virtually illegal under the country’s traffic code, the Land Transportation Office has adopted a maximum tolerance approach to this form of public transport basically for humanitarian reasons.

They address the lack of transportation in many areas even though these units contradict existing national traffic laws, said Raul Aguilos, LTO regional director for Central Visayas.

Aguilos, who visited Negros Oriental recently, noted that under the law, a single motorcycle is only allowed up to two riders, including the driver.

Moreover, if traffic rules and regulations are to be strictly followed, motorcycle riders are also required to wear a crash helmet or similar head gear, he added.

But, due to its necessity, law enforcement authorities have no option but to put up with the growing number of “habal-habal” units across the country.

In fact, the LTO officer admits that their office still does not have clear guidelines on how to classify and register “habal-habal” motorcycles.

The habal-habal has evolved into a widely-accepted mode of public transport especially in hard-to-reach areas that even President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was photographed riding on of these units.

Aguilos, meanwhile, reiterated that “habal-habal” units are not allowed to ply the national highway as it poses danger to its riders.

Just last month, three of four people on board two “habal-habal” motorcycles were killed when a bus rammed into them along the national highway in northern Negros Oriental.

The LTO regional director appealed to “habal-habal” drivers to strictly adhere to the permission given them to operate as public transport but should limit their routes to interior areas.

The prevailing rates of “habal-habal” units in the province range between P50 to P100 or more per passenger, depending on their destination and the condition of the roads, many of which are dirt roads that are hard to traverse especially on rainy days.*JFP

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