MC taxi group urges Congress for passage of Motorcycle Taxi Law for riders

Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines on Friday called for the passage of a measure that will institutionalize the motorcycle taxi sector, saying the government’s pilot study on motorcycle taxis has been running for almost a decade.

In a statement, MC Taxi Community chairman Romeo Maglunsod said that any motorcycle taxi law must recognize the industry as part of the gig economy and must be anchored on the rights and interests of gig workers.

“Any action from Congress must ensure the protection of the livelihoods of thousands of riders who work every day to provide for their families,” Maglunsod said. 

The group is recommending that franchises or accreditation be granted directly to individual riders, similar to the model used for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, instead of placing riders under platform-held franchises.

Under this setup, Maglunsod said riders would have greater control over their own operations, while platforms would serve as tools that help them access passengers, incentives, and support programs.

“The rider should hold the power to decide how to earn a living. Platforms should be instruments that support riders, not structures that limit their freedom,” Maglunsod said.

“What riders want is to remain the boss of their own livelihood. This means having the freedom to choose which platform to be active in, the ability to benefit from programs offered by different platforms, and the flexibility to strategize our own online hours,” he added.

The group also expressed gratitude to the for extending assistance to riders amid the continuing fuel crisis.

“We are grateful for the assistance extended by the government to riders during the fuel crisis. For many riders, almost half of their daily income is already spent on fuel, and the P5,000 assistance is a big help,” Maglunsod said.

However, MC Taxi Community said that financial aid is only a temporary measure. 

Maglunsod said long-term protection must come from policies that allow riders to earn decently, work with dignity, and continue supporting their families.

“At this time of crisis, no rider’s family should go hungry or suffer because of the lack of humane and stable livelihood,” he said. —NB, GMA News