A think tank group on Tuesday appealed to Congress to support the bill regulating the use of motorcycles-for-hire or “MC taxis” as a public utility.
“Much like the endless reruns of our favorite TV shows, the pilot study on motorcycle taxis seems to be on a loop. It’s high time we change the channel and give the people what they want: a clear, fair, and safe regulatory framework,” said Terry Ridon, Infrawatch PH convenor and former House transportation committee member.
Following instructions from the concerned government agencies, the group formed the MC Taxi Technical Working Group (MC Taxi TWG) to conduct the pilot study.
Reconstituted this November, the MC Taxi TWG remains active, supervising the trial phase of motorcycle taxi services offered by firms such as Angkas, Joyride, and Move It.
Ridon in a statement noted that the pilot study that the MC Taxi TWG should have accomplished has now been delayed by four years, with no clear recommendations being released yet, stalling legislative efforts in the aftermath.
“This delay has led to a surge in ‘habal-habal’ rides, or motorcycles-for-hire operating outside the pilot study’s scope. It’s like watching a cliffhanger episode over and over. The people are waiting for a resolution. We must move the plot forward and ensure our riders and passengers aren’t left hanging,” Ridon stressed. Maricel V. Cruz
Citing data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) revealed that as of 2022, Ridon noted there are 19.2 million motorcycles in the Philippines, accounting for 87 percent of all registered motor vehicles. Moreover, a Senate Committee on Public Services report indicates that one in three Filipino households owns a motorcycle; of that figure, more than half use the motorcycle for livelihood, Ridon added.
At least 16 bills had been filed at the House of Representatives proposing to recognize motorcycles for hire as a legitimate mode of public transportation.
These pending bills include House Bill 307, “The Motorcycles-for-Hire Act”, authored by Reps. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., Miguel Luis Villafuerte, Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata, and Nicolas Enciso VIII.
Meanwhile, the Senate has five versions filed, with Senate Bill No. 104 by Sen. Grace Poe leading the charge. Initial deliberations in the Senate took place last May 23.
The proposed bills all move to amend Sections 3 and 7 of Republic Act No. 4136 to include motorcycle-for-hire in the definition of terms and in the classification of vehicles that would require registration with the LTFRB.
Several proposals also require motorcycles-for-hire operators to provide insurance coverage for drivers and riders to ensure safety. The proposed MC Taxi bills also mandate relevant agencies, including the LTO and LTFRB, to release clear and readily enforceable guidelines ensuring passenger and goods safety.
Highlighting the benefits and challenges of motorcycle taxis, Ridon stated, “Motorcycle taxis are the ‘Netflix’ of transportation – affordable, quick, and on-demand. But without proper regulation, we risk turning this convenience into a ‘Game of Thrones’ finale – disappointing and potentially dangerous.”