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Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon is set to sign a department order that would allow motorcycle taxi service companies to continue their operations while the industry awaits the passage of a law that would legalize their existence.
Currently, there is no law that allows motorcycle taxis to ply Philippine roads.
Motorcycle taxis were only allowed on the streets after a pilot test approved by Congress in 2019 to determine their safety and reliability as a public transport option.
Originally set for six months, the pilot test was extended on several occasions as the Senate and House of Representatives sought to craft a measure to regulate the industry.
According to Dizon, this officially ended last year, which he said necessitates the urgency of the situation.
The official said the permanent solution for the continuous operation of motorcycle taxis would require lawmakers’ prompt action.
“That’s why the DOTr is committed to working with our lawmakers to come up with viable solutions that greatly benefit both our riders and commuters”, he said.
Dizon emphasized that enabling motorcycle taxis to continue plying is consistent with the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ease the burden of commuters.
He said providing passengers with more options for transportation would result in faster commute and ultimately, more time with their families.
However, he stressed that motorcycle taxis must be fully compliant with the rules on rod safety, as well as existing standards and regulations on road worthiness and driver qualifications.
As part of the his support to the industry, Dizon earlier ruled that the decision of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) against motorcycle taxi firm Move It will not he be implemented while pending appeal.
Move It earlier filed its motion for reconsideration with the LTFRB, after the agency ordered the firm to slash its rider fleet.
In its statement, Move It said nearly 14,000 of its rider base are at risk of losing their jobs.
The LFTRB said it is implementing a cap of 45,000 on motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila.
Citing guidelines released in 2020, Move It was asked to reduce its fleet to 6,836, with its competitors Angkas to 23,164 and JoyRide to 15,000.
