A DAVAO City Council Member has announced plans to file a resolution addressing the appeal of Davao Delivery Riders.

“You can count on the Ginatrabaho ni ng committee and maybe kani siya mahimuan na natu ug decision before the end of the year (Rest assured, the committee is working on it and we can come to a decision before the end of the year),” said Council Member Myrna Dalodo. Ortiz during the Aprubado sa Konseho event at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Ortiz, who chairs the committee responsible for finance, ways and means, and appropriations, announced that the resolution will address delivery drivers’ concerns by being submitted for a second reading along with the committee’s recommendations and related resolutions and regulations.

He declined to disclose specific details about the committee’s recommendations to avoid preempting the official report.

Ortiz noted that the amount delivery drivers must pay for operating permits depends on the type of motorcycle. However, he underlined his advocacy for a uniform payment system for all passengers.

The matter was referred to four committees: finance, ways and means, and appropriations; trade, commerce and industry; rules and privileges, chaired by Council Member Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III; Labor and employment chaired by Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula.

Ortiz said two committee hearings and multiple meetings have already taken place, along with consultations with the city council and various stakeholders.

He said while the issue is affecting Davao City’s revenue, it is crucial to consider the financial burden on delivery drivers due to increased operating permit fees.

The councilman also noted problems with the previous ordinance, City Ordinance 0612-21, and expressed hope to amend or repeal it. This regulation requires delivery drivers to obtain operating permits.

On November 5, 2024, United Davao Delivery Riders Association (Uddra) warned officialsto exempt travelers, including Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, from business permit requirements.

Councilor Pilar Braga supported the cyclists, stating that the permit requirement could endanger their livelihood. Uddra plans to file a position letter next week advocating for changes to the 2021 Revenue Code.

Earlier this year, Councilman Bernie Al-ag also proposed repealing the ordinance requiring delivery drivers to obtain a business permit. AGP