MALAYA EDITORIAL: NO ROOM FOR 'KULIGLIGS ON STREETS
MANILA, DECEMBER 3, 2010 (MALAYA) ('Lim's order is a superfluity. There is no room on the streets for vehicles unregistered with the LTO.')
THE gall of the operators and drivers of the "kuliglig" in staging a protest, which turned violent, against an order of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim that their vehicles be taken off the streets.
The "kuliglig" (crickets) not only are a nuisance and an obstruction to vehicular traffic. These makeshift three-wheeled vehicles also pose a clear danger to life and limbs of pedestrians, motorists and their very drivers and passengers.
Incidentally, "kuliglig," in its earlier incarnation, used to also pose (continue to pose?) a danger to travelers on the roads in Central Luzon. These were hand tractors to which two-wheeled trailers were attached to transport farm goods. They clogged the highways leading to the North and not a few cars ended up on ditches while trying to avoid plowing into these slow-moving contraptions.
We have to give it to the ingenuity of the Pinoy. From two-wheeled hand tractors, "kuliglig" has evolved into a tricycle powered by cheap low-horsepower single-cylinder engines that traditionally were used to power irrigation pumps and bancas. The drive train itself is a wonder. The engine's shaft is connected to a belt drive, controlled by a pedal-activated "clutch," which in turn connects to a standard motorcycle chain that leads to the rear wheel.
There is, however, no front-wheel brake. The handlebar is two plain iron rods welded into a Y. There are no brake lights or head lamp. Nor horns. Specifications that make these vehicles accidents waiting to happen.
We understand the "kuliglig" group went to the Supreme Court to question Lim's order. We can't see them going far. These contraptions are not registered with the Land Transportation Office. Given their road unworthiness, they obviously are not eligible for registration. Presumably, these could be upgraded to comply with LTO road-worthiness requirements. But it would cost. And that removes all the cost advantage these vehicles offer. One would be better off buying a cheap motorcycle made in China and hooking it up to a sidecar for a regular tricycle.
And, yes, Lim's order is a superfluity. There is no room on the streets for vehicles unregistered with the LTO.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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