Who wants to kill the habal-habal?

ACROSS the Philippines, the humble habal-habal — those two-wheeled lifelines threading through dirt roads and mountain trails — has become the most accessible ride for millions.

- By Rene S. Santiago

But this unsung hero of rural mobility is now staring down a legislative guillotine. House Bill No. 10242, the 19^th Congress’ consolidated attempt at regulation, nearly crossed the finish line. Had it passed, this “chariot of the masses” would’ve slipped into the shadows — to be hunted by those who wear uniforms.

The bill sought to brand habal-habal as a public utility needing a franchise — to be regulated by the same bureaucracy that mangled the country’s public transport system. Fueling the bill is a misguided belief that the ordinary Filipino cannot be trusted to do what is right in their personal lives.

A SYMBOL OF FILIPINO RESILIENCE (AND IMPROVISATION)

It had its humble origins, more than 20 years ago, as a ride-share on the dusty roads of Mindanao. It then spread to the Visayas and evolved into a for-hire business. Only when it invaded Metro Manila streets under the guise of Ride Hailing Apps (RHAs) that this “trusty steed, a motorcycle of humble breed” invited the ire of control freaks. It was not their creation; a middle finger pointed at them.