"All is well that ends well" - and that is what happened in the ordinance increasing the franchise fee and permit fees to drive in Dumaguete City.

Operators of motorcabs-for-hire have to pay the old rates, which is P200 as franchise fee, P20 as mayors permit to drive, and P260 in other fees.

Since most have paid the increased rates last year, the excess will be returned or credited upon the renewal of their permits this year.

In a consultation with stakeholders, the Federation of Dumaguete City Operations and Drivers Association headed by Rolly Anadon, MOTOR-PISTON led by Cirilo Collado, Ian Evidente of Kilusang Mayo Uno, and city officials, it was decided that enforcement of the new rates will only start this year.

Provincial legal officer Neil Lagahit clarified that the arrangement to return the collected increase in fees last year should not be considered a success or victory by a certain group, but as a concerted effort of all stakeholders including government.*JG

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