Poe pushes passage of bill seeking to give SSS, PhilHealth benefits to trike drivers

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Friday said she will push for the passage of a bill seeking to provide social insurance and health benefits for tricycle drivers and operators during the 17th Congress.

Poe issued the statement after the Senate committee on public services on Friday approved in principle Senate Bill 1751 or the proposed Magna Carta for Tricycle Drivers and Operators.

She said Congress still has time to approve the measure when it resumes session after the May elections.

“Sisikapin nating maipasa ito bago matapos ang 17th Congress kasi may panahon pa naman kami (We’ll try our best to pass this measure before the end of the 17th Congress because we still have time),” Poe said in a statement.

Under the bill, Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will provide mandatory coverage to tricycle drivers and operators to enable them to access social security and health care benefits.

The measure also mandates local governments to establish a simplified registration process and a one-stop shop that will handle all tricycle transactions of operators.

It also provides tricycle maintenance programs and vocational education on auto-mechanics. Likewise, it prohibits the impounding of tricycles on minor traffic violations.

“Ang tricycle drivers at operators ay inaasahang magiging mas maingat at maalam sa pagmamaneho at pagpapasada sapagkat magkakaroon ng orientation patungkol sa traffic management and rules (The tricycle drivers and operators are expected to be more careful in driving because we will conduct orientation regarding traffic management rules),” the senator said.

A counterpart measure, House Bill No. 9073, was approved by the lower House on second reading. /ee