In another interview, Libiran said the DOTr already inspected JoyRide’s training facility today. She added that the technical working group and the inspectors will soon evaluate the company’s compliance with the NTF’s guidelines.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 23) — Motorcycle taxi Angkas on Monday clarified it has not yet resumed operations pending requirements set by the technical working group.
Meanwhile, Libiran said they are just awaiting the letter from Move It, signifying their compliance with the requirements, so the DOTr can already inspect its training facility.
However, Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said the requirement for riders to carry around thermal scanners to check the temperature of passengers was not included in the guidelines laid out by the National Task Force Against COVID-19. He added the company is willing to hold talks with the government on the said requirements.
“In fact, kung na-comply lang sana today or tomorrow, agad naman silang mabibigyan ng notice to proceed or certificate of compliance, para on the same day, makabiyahe sila,” she told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon.
“If NTF will require us to comply, kami ay willing to comply with that. But as of now wala iyan sa guidelines,” he told CNN Philippines.
[Translation: If they have complied today or by tomorrow, they would be given a notice to proceed or certificate of compliance, so they can resume operations on the same day.]
[Translation: If NTF will require us to comply, we are willing to do that. But as of now, it’s not yet in the guidelines.]
[Translation: We double check to make sure our riders don’t have any cases. We are confident that we are compliant with the regulation set by the IATF and we have submitted a certificate of compliance.]
Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran was quoted in an interview that Angkas has yet to comply with the requirement on thermal scanners and background check on drivers.
Royeca said they have already complied with the background checks as riders are required to present their NBI clearance, which states they have no pending cases. He said Angkas requires its riders to present their barangay clearance as well.
“Mayroon tayong double check to make sure walang kaso ang riders natin,” he said. “Confident tayo na compliant tayo sa regulation na itinakda ng IATF at tayo ay nagsumite na ng certification of compliance.”
Over 6,500 Angkas riders who have tested negative for COVID-19 and passed government guidelines are expected to ply roads after compliance, eight months since the suspension of operations due to strict quarantine measures. Royeca also said more riders will be available on the app as soon as Angkas conducts more RT-PCR swab tests.
Angkas assured commuters of their safety, saying its riders underwent a refresher course on how to effectively disinfect the motorcycles and barriers. They will also implement a 100% cashless transaction to limit the interaction between the driver and passenger. He added passengers need to bring their own full-face visor helmet.
MMDA EDSA Traffic Chief Bong Nebrija said other motorcycle taxi companies, JoyRide and Move It, will be able to operate as soon as possible once they pass the review.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the resumption of motorcycle taxi operations on Oct. 23 and its guidelines on Nov. 9. The pilot study was supposed to end last April, but got suspended in March due to the imposition of COVID-19 quarantine measures in the country.
Among the salient points in the IATF-approved guidelines is the implementation of full cashless payment to minimize human contact.
Passengers are also now required to bring their own helmet with a visor when riding a motorcycle taxi. The visor will serve as the passenger’s face shield for protection against the coronavirus.
