The move to amend the ordinance that requires delivery riders in Davao City to get a business permit was approved on second reading.

The fate of the proposal will now rest on the third and final reading.

The United Delivery Riders Association is hopeful councilors will eventually pass the amendment.

Once the ordinance is amended, delivery riders will only need to get an occupational permit and pay a P125 annual fee.

“Sa una man gud, ang amoa ra’ng ginabayran, mayor’s permit lang gyud tapos pagsulod anang business permit nga giaprubahan sa konseho nga walay klaro, pila ra gud ang income anang amoang pagpangita sa dalan og kwarta… mapirmahan na gyud unta… nagpasalamat pud mi kang mayor nga siya ang nangusog pud,” United Delivery Riders Association Spokesperson, Rolando Jatico, said.

The riders reasoned that they are not business owners to be required to secure a business permit. They have been pushing for the amendment since 2020.

At present, the ordinance requires delivery riders to pay for a business permit worth around P3,000. The amount will increase to P5,000 in 2025.

On top of this, the riders also need to secure other certificates or permits from other offices.

“Dako ra pud kaayo sa among part, P5,000 kaayo. Compared sauna, dako mig kita kay kami man ang essential atong pandemic… karon, daghan na kaayo ang riders pud… mo-income na lang mi og P500, above minimum na lang,” delivery rider, Virgilio Mabino, said.

Davao City has more than 8,000 delivery riders.