Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 9) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called on lawmakers to legalize the operations of motorcycle taxis, about four years after the government greenlit its pilot run in select cities.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, who also heads the technical working group (TWG) that monitors the pilot study, said he hopes Congress can look into the pilot test with favor and “enact a legislation that will eventually legitimize this habal-habal into a legitimate organization.”
Guadiz discussed the implementation of the motorcycle taxi pilot run during a House hearing on Tuesday.
The transport official said the pilot study began in 2019 but was suspended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was resumed after the government eased mobility restrictions. The motorcycle taxi market has three participants: Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide.
Some lawmakers questioned the companies’ continuous operations despite a document that showed the pilot run was scheduled to end in 2021.
Guadiz clarified that “the study has been terminated,” but noted that the policy still allows them to ply the roads following the recommendation from the Senate.
“If your pilot study is already terminated, bakit hindi kayo magsubmit ng report dito na yung pilot study ay tapos na? Bakit manggagaling sa amin? Make a report to the House that your study was already terminated and you are coming to a recommendation,” House Committee on Transportation Chair and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop said.
[Translation: If your pilot study is already terminated, why didn’t you submit a report here that the pilot study is over? Why it should come from us?]
Guadiz said the agency provided recommendations on safety, security, franchise and regulatory procedures, and law enforcement issues. Acop said he wanted to see a comprehensive report of the pilot test from the TWG.
Transportation authorities committed to submit the report within 45 days.
Other issues raised during the hearing include multi-homing, as well as allegedly “limiting” the pilot run to only three players.
Guadiz, however, said the three groups passed the vetting process.
“I did not limit it to three. There are four more applicants with us and there is an ongoing vetting process. However, I have to suspend this. As a matter of courtesy, we will be taking the cue from the House if they will allow us to further proceed with the study,” Guadiz said.
