DOTr: Order allowing continued motor taxis ops sans law up for release

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon is backing the continuous operations of motorcycle taxis with an order supporting its legality while waiting for the passage of a law.

Dizon said the Department of Tranportation (DOTr) will be releasing a “Department Order that would allow MC taxi services to legally continue while awaiting the passage of a permanent law.”

“The permanent solution for the continuous operations of MC taxis would require congressional action, that’s why the DOTr is committed to working with our lawmakers to come up with viable solutions that greatly benefit both our riders and commuters,” the Transportation chief said.

This comes after Dizon met with George Royeca, founder and CEO of motorcycle taxi pioneer Angkas, who made an appeal to allow the operations of motorcycles sans a permanent law.

The pilot program for motorcycle taxis has officially ended in 2024 and with time running short before the close of the current Congress, Dizon said he recognizes the urgency of the situation.

The Transportation chief said motorcycle taxis “must be fully compliant with the recently issued Department Order on road safety, as well as existing standards and regulations on roadworthiness and driver qualifications.”

"Victory"

Royeca, meanwhile, welcomed Dizon’s commitment to allow motorcycle taxis to continue operating.

“This is a victory for MC taxis and the thousands of riders who depend on it for their livelihood,” the Angkas CEO said in a statement.

During the dialogue with Dizon, Royeca said he highlighted the importance of continued motorcycle taxi operations for both riders and commuters, “who rely on essential and affordable modes of transport, especially across Metro Manila’s congested corridors.

Royeca, who is also the first nominee of Angkasangga Partylist, cited his plan to integrate motorcycles into the national transport plan as thousands of informal workers, tricycle drivers, vendors, and freelancers depend on it for their livelihood.

Moreover, he said that Angkasangga advocates for key labor reforms, including paid sick leave and government-mandated benefits for informal workers and accident insurance for members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA). —VAL, GMA Integrated News