As we announced in this corner in last Sunday's issue, the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran yesterday indeed passed the resolution endorsed by the majority bloc for the one-peso increase in minimum tricycle fare in the city.

The resolution was authored and sponsored by City Councilor Nerio "Butchie" Zamora II. It was unanimously approved by all the city councilors except City Councilor Edgar Kapirig who is abroad on official travel. It takes effect immediately after the approval.

While the one-peso increase could be a welcome development to tricycle drivers and operators, it could be the other way around for the riding public.

* * * * * * * *

We made it clear during the session yesterday that the one-peso increase is only provisional in nature pending the passage of an ordinance which would amend the provision in the city's transportation code providing for the tricycle fare rates in the city.

City Councilor Zamora II is expected to file momentarily the proposed ordinance which may after all provide for another version because the resolution approved yesterday only granted provisional authority for the collection of the one-peso increase.

The passage of the ordinance could take time as it would still be subjected to the three-reading rule. The first reading constitutes the reading of its title and referral to the appropriate committee, which in this case, is the committee on public utilities.

* * * * * * * *

In the committee level, the proposed ordinance will be subjected to a public hearing. The notice will be published at least 15 days before the scheduled public hearing.

Then the committee renders a report recommending the approval of the proposed ordinance on second reading before it is finally approved on third and final reading. The final version of the approved ordinance will be submitted to the city mayor for approval before it is published. It can only take effect 15 days after its publication.

While the proposed ordinance passed through all these processes, the one-peso increase can be legally implemented by virtue of a resolution granting provisional authority for the fare hike.

* * * * * * * *

Last point. The provisional authority is only applicable to the minimum fare which is presently pegged at P6. In other words, the minimum tricycle fare here starting today is P7 but if the distance is more than one kilometer, the tricycle passenger will have to pay based on the existing rate prescribed by the city transportation code.

A distinction has to be made between the minimum tricycle fare and its add on for the succeeding kilometers.

The provisional authority is only for the minimum tricycle fare but not to the rate for the succeeding kilometers. We do hope that the riding public would be guided accordingly with this measure.

* * * * *

For comments and suggestions, just e-mail to the following e-mail addresses: obiter@boholchronicle.com