Move It calls for legislation on motorcycle taxis

Grab-led Move It on Thursday issued an appeal to lawmakers to pass a law that
will legalize the operation of motorcycle taxis around the country and open the field to more industry players.

In a statement, Move It said passing a law legalizing motorcycle taxis will address the needs of commuters for affordable, safe, and reliable modes of public transportation.

The motorcycle taxi company issued the statement following a public hearing on Wednesday by the House Committee on Metro Manila Development during which regulators, lawmakers and transport stakeholders tackled proposals surrounding the safety and efficiency of motorcycle taxis.

Motorcycle taxis have yet to be officially legalized as a form of public transportation and are currently operating under a pilot study. For this, 
the government has only accredited three firms — Angkas, JoyRide and Move It— for the pilot run, which would aid in crafting laws allowing motorcycle taxis on the road.

Grab echoed Move It’s call for a legislation on motorcycle taxis’ operations.

“We appreciate that there are continuing discussions that would help our lawmakers craft the law toward the legalization and regulation of the industry. Putting in place a law is the win-win solution for all stakeholders, particularly our commuters who deserve an efficient and safe form of public transportation,” Grab said.

“Under a regulated environment, we expect to see more industry players and we welcome this as this will provide more job opportunities to Filipinos and give more choices to our commuters. Competition will make the motorcycle taxi business vibrant and its service better,” it added.

During the hearing, commuter groups raised alarm over Grab’s acquisition of Move It.

Move It, however, said that its partnership with Grab Philippines was above board and compliant with the rules set by a technical working group (TWG) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Atty. Ann Albana, legal counsel for Move It, assured committee members and stakeholders that the motorcycle ride-hailing company “will still be under the supervision of the MC Taxi TWG, and it will continue to abide by MC Taxi Guidelines, especially on the safety and welfare of the consumers.”

“We are happy to disclose that the acquisition complied with the law, and all approvals required for the acquisition have been obtained. It did not violate any requirement of the MC Taxi TWG,” she said.

The Philippine Competition Commission earlier said that the transaction “likely did not breach the thresholds for compulsory notification.”

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista previously said that the department would not review the agreement “because it was a private transaction” and that he would want to see Congress pass the law to allow more participants in the motorcycle taxi service. —Ted Cordero/KBK, GMA Integrated News