Promoted to passenger? Angkas CEO George Royeca’s driver’s license suspended

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After news of the status of Angkas chief George Royeca's license made headlines, Angkas — known for its quirky quips on social media — pokes fun at the situation by saying he has been 'promoted' to passenger

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of Angkas chief George Royeca after he admitted to organizing a motorcade that blocked traffic in Cainta, Rizal on February 2.

“They should not do that [on] public roads,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Monday, February 17.

“May binabantayan tayong mga lugar — not only here in Antipolo, sa Metro Manila — pati sa Visayas and Mindanao na narinig namin through our own networks sa district offices na merong mga ganyang mga riders, nag-e-exhibition using public roads.”

(We are monitoring areas — not only here in Antipolo, in Metro Manila — but also in Visayas and Mindanao where we are getting reports through our networks in district offices that there are riders like that, conducting exhibitions through public roads.)

Mendoza initially said Royeca’s license was revoked, but reports later clarified that the regulator only suspended his license for 90 days.

After news of the status of Royeca’s license made headlines, Angkas — known for its quirky quips on social media — poked fun at the situation.

“Congrats, George,” the motorcycle-for-hire platform said. “Promoted ka na to passenger (You’ve been promoted to passenger).”

Royeca, the first nominee of party list Ang Kasangga, is currently campaigning for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Based on his Facebook posts, they conducted a “unity ride” on February 2 as part of their initiatives to promote proper rider training and education.

A video circulating online shows Angkas riders blocking the traffic in an intersection along Cainta.

The LTO noted that “some of the riders acted as if they were persons in authority by blocking other motorists from crossing the intersection to give way for their fellow riders.” The regulator said this violates Republic Act 4136, which also takes into consideration traffic violations committed by motorists.

Royeca apologized for the traffic incident: “There are no excuses for our actions. This should not have happened.”

“As CEO, I take full responsibility. This was a failure to uphold the discipline, safety, and compliance that Angkas has long stood for,” he said on February 3.

According to the LTO, other riders who participated are under investigation.

The LTO issued a show-cause order on Royeca, who has since appeared before the LTO for a hearing.

“He can still file a reconsideration at babasahin po natin ‘yun (and we will read that),” Mendoza said.

Meanwhile, Cainta Mayor Elen Nieto said Angkas has promised to conduct community service for their traffic violations.

– Rappler.com