Senator Grace Poe on Friday asked the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to invalidate the penalties and impounding of e-bikes and e-trikes before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order for a one-month grace period in the implementation of the ban on national roads.

“Dapat kasama ang mga na-unang nahuli (The first ones to be apprehended should be included). The intention of the President is to give them some breathing room and time to adjust,” Poe said in a statement.

“Tulad ng palugit na ibinigay ng Pangulo, marapat lamang na mabigyan din ng grace period ang mga naunang nahuli mula sa multa at (Like the grace period given by the President, it is only appropriate that the first ones to be apprehended should also be given grace period from fines and) impounding,” she said.

The senator agreed with President Marcos’ directive, citing confusions among e-vehicle drivers on what are prohibited roads or where are they allowed to pass.

“Huwag na sana nating pahirapan ang mga may-ari ng e-bikes at e-trikes na naghahanap lang ng maayos na alternatibong masasakyan (We should not make it harder for e-bike and e-trike owners who are just looking for an alternative transportation),” Poe said.

MMDA Regulation 24-022 took effect on Monday, prohibiting e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and “kuliglig” (improvised motor vehicle) from plying national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads in Metro Manila.

However, President Marcos directed the MMDA and local government units (LGUs) on Thursday to grant e-vehicle owners a one-month adjustment for a wider information dissemination about the new regulation.

With the President’s order, Poe said she expects the MMDA and other agencies concerned to consult the stakeholders and create balanced policies that take into consideration the plight of commuters without compromising safety. (PNA)