LTFRB order threatens 14,000 motor taxi riders- lawmaker

Metro Manila, Philippines - The livelihood of about 14,000 motorcycle taxi riders are at risk after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) imposed a one-year moratorium for a ride-hailing firm, a congressman said on Thursday, May 1.

1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez said the LTFRB decided to impose a one-year moratorium on onboarding new riders for Move It and to reduce its rider fleet to 6,846.

“We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision on the 14,000 riders who depend on Move It for their daily income. These hardworking Filipinos provide essential transportation services to our communities, and we urge the LTFRB to reconsider this move, especially given its timing and the significant socioeconomic consequences,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

The lawmaker also pushed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to intervene.

Gutierrez noted that the Motorcycle Taxi Bill, which he has been advocating for, has been approved in the House of Representatives.

“This LTFRB order shows why we need the law fully enacted. Without it, riders remain vulnerable to abrupt regulatory changes that threaten their livelihoods,” he said.

Gutierrez further appealed to the LTFRB to discuss the issue with stakeholders to “find a balanced solution.”