CEBU CITY, Philippines – Retailers using motorcycles to deliver liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cylinders to their customers will be banned in Cebu City streets if a proposed ordinance will be approved by the City Council.Councilor Edgardo Labella's proposal will prohibit all persons engaged in the LPG retailing and delivery business from using motorcycles to transport LPG cylinders to their consumers. The proposed ordinance also prohibits customers to pick up LPG cylinders using motorcycles. Labella's proposed ordinance takes into consideration the safety of the public if a LPG cylinder falls off the motorcycle. “Not considering the weight of the LPG cylinder, such items are just tied at the passenger's seat of the the vehicle using nylon rope, which would just break anytime and would endanger the lives of those who are on the road,” the proposed ordinance said. The proposal if approved by the City Council will affect LPG retail businesses offering free delivery services using motorcycles to transport their products. The motorcycle is the vehicle of choice for these businesses because the cost of delivery is cheaper compared to other vehicles. Motorcycles can also enter narrow roads in the city. The proposal, if implemented, will authorize the office of the business permit section of the Cebu City Hall to make sure that those engaged to these kind of businesses will follow the rules set by the city. The section was chosen because it is the office issuing permits for a business to operate. Under the proposed ordinance, first time violators will pay a fine of P500. The penalty will go up to P2,500 for second time violators. Third time violators will pay a fine of P5,000 and their business licenses will be revoked. Labella said he would submit his proposal to the City Council during the next session on October 8. Labella said the ordinance will follow the same procedures for approval. It will be studied by the different committees in the council. A public hearing with concerned agencies will be conducted to discuss the proposal. /Reporter Marian Z. Codilla | 
