Amid phaseout order, kuligligs thrive, 'play hero's role' on Xmas Day

Nearly one month after they were supposed to disappear from Manila's main streets, the "kuliglig" (motorized tricycle) continues to ply the city's major thoroughfares – and even played a hero's role of sorts on Christmas Day. The kuligligs, criticized for their loud noise and unsafe construction, made their presence felt to churchgoers who could not catch a ride as few jeeps and taxis plied their routes Saturday.

Also, kuligligs proved themselves valuable by carrying shoppers and purchases during the Christmas rush. Many of the controversial vehicles even played a hero's role of sorts as they ferried workers and their heavy wares – such as boxes of fruit – from point to point around markets. Last Dec. 1, the Manila city government was to start enforcing a directive barring the kuligligs from the city's main roads. But on that date, kuliglig drivers accompanied by militant groups staged a protest action where they barricaded a major city road, inconveniencing commuters and motorists. At least 16 of the drivers were arrested while some 12 were injured in a violent police dispersal of the picket. — LBG, GMANews.TV