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Motorcycle taxi firm Move It said nearly 14,000 riders are at risk of losing their jobs after an order from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reduce the company’s rider fleet.
In a memorandum order dated April 29, the LTFRB directed Move It to slash its rider count in Metro Manila from over 14,000 to 6,836.
At the same time, the company was also mandated to immediately cease operations in Cebu and Cagayan De Oro, which will affect an additional 6,000 riders.
“This is a big blow to our riders’ livelihood, especially on the eve of Labor Day,” said Move It General Manager Wayne Jacinto.
“We are filing a motion for reconsideration within the day and are appealing to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary. We are hoping that our riders will not lose their livelihood,” he added.
Jacinto explained that the company’s current rider base is aligned with the guidelines issued by the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group in November 2020.
Based on the guidelines, 15,000 riders are allocated each for three pilot operators of motorcycle taxi services in Metro Manila: namely, Move It, Angkas, and JoyRide.
“We have repeatedly said this—we never went beyond what was stated in the guidelines,” said Jacinto.
While the LTFRB acknowledged the equal distribution of rider allocation among the three companies, it noted that Move It consented to a different allocation in February 2020.
This initial distribution limited Move It’s rider fleet to 6,836, which has since been exceeded by the company’s present fleet of 14,662 riders.
Further, the company said it has been operating in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro since at least early 2023 with 3,000 riders in each city.
However, the LTFRB’s order claimed that it lacks authority to operate in these areas.
Jacinto pointed out that an earlier guideline in 2020 allowed motorcycle taxi firms to deploy 3,000 riders outside Metro Manila.
“We want equal treatment for all players and continuity for our riders’ honest livelihood,” he said.
Jacinto urged the government to reconsider this move, given the logistical dilemma in reallocating thousands of riders who will find themselves displaced.
“Maging patas po sana, wag sana mawalan ng hanapbuhay ang mga rider. At sana pakinggan kami ng kinauukulan ng sa ganun, wag naman po sana ma-displace sila—kawawa naman po sila,” he added.
(We hope things will be fair, and that riders won’t lose their livelihoods. We also hope the authorities will listen to us so that they won’t be displaced—they’re in a difficult situation.)
