Pedicab operators and drivers in Dumaguete City, who are members of transport groups MOTOR and PISTON-KMU, are planning to stage a caravan on Thursday to protest what they call an oppressive and repressive law that increases the price of the mayor's permit and the franchise fee for operators.

The group is referring to City Ordinance No. 88, which they want junked.

Kilusang Mayo Uno officials said there is widespread public support for their action that they claim is intended for the benefit of all the drivers in Dumaguete.

Aside from the protest action, the drivers also vowed to conduct a noise barrage in front of City Hall to pressure the city leadership to junk the ordinance. City legal officer Bimbo Lagahit, however, said the ordinance is still a valid law.

The protesting groups also requested Councilor Sammy Dicen's presence at the regular session of the city council Thursday.

Dicen purposely skipped two regular sessions in protest of what he said are moves to remove the trust fund of his ordinance by another member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The KMU criticized Dicen's action, stating that the legislator should be responsible enough to defend his ordinance as the author and as an elected official. City Hall clarified though, there were two issues raised in the session last week.

Firstly, is the amendment of City Ordinance No. 88 and secondly, the first reading of a proposed ordinance repealing the same, it said.

These resolutions were, however, sent to different committees for discussions, prompting the transport group to criticize the delay in their action.*JG

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