House OKs on final reading bill regulating operations of motorcycles-for-hire

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed measure seeking to regulate the operations of motorcycles-for-hire.

House Bill 10571, or the proposed Motorcycles-for-Hire Act, was approved by the chamber in a 189-0-0 plenary vote.

The bill defines motorcycles-for-hire as a motorcycle, duly registered and used to carry passengers or goods on a "for-hire" basis.

It declares motorcycles-for-hire as common carriers governed by applicable provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations on common carriers, particularly on the required degree of diligence and reasonable care while transporting passengers and goods.

The measure mandates the registration of these motorcycles before the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure their roadworthiness before their registration or renewal of registration.

Furthermore, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in coordination with local government units, was tasked to issue franchises to these motorcycles-for-hire in urban areas.

The LTFRB is also mandated to prescribe the fares, surcharges, and other transportation fees that may be charged by operators, online e-commerce platform providers, and transport network companies.

The measure said the fare structure should be consulted with the motorcycles-for-hire industry. — DVM, GMA News