Motorcycle taxi group appeals reversal of order halting Move It ops

A group has appealed to the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG), seeking the reversal of a recent order that threatens to halt MOVE IT perations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.

Motorcycle Taxi Community Alliance of the Philippines chairperson Romeo Maglunsod filed the formal appeal before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), saying that this order could put the livelihoods of rider-partners at risk. 

''Kami po ay magalang na humihiling ng muling pag-aralan ang nasabing kautusan, na magdudulot ng pagkawala ng kabuhayan para sa humigit-kumulang 14,000 na mga rider sa buong bansa,” Maglunsod said.

(We respectfully request for a review of the said order, it could lead to the loss of livelihood of at least 14,000 riders around the country.)

Further, the group called out the TWG’s decision-making process, saying that there was no prior consultation with affected riders or even with the commuting public. 

“Naniniwala po kami na ang kautusan ay inilabas nang walang sapat na konsultasyon sa komunidad ng mga rider,” Maglunsod said.

(We believe the order was issued without enough consultation from the rider community.)

The alliance also called on the TWG to recalibrate its priorities and center its policies on the welfare of riders and commuters.

Early this month, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the LTFRB's decision to reduce the number of Move It motorcycle units and stop operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City will not be implemented for now.

The agency has said Move It has 14,662 riders, which is beyond the allocation of 6,836. —RF, GMA Integrated News