The minority bloc in the House of Representatives on Friday backed the continued operation of motorcycle taxis.
At the same time, House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. said his group supports the effort of the chamber to craft a law allowing the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles.
"Commuters in Metro Manila need more affordable and accessible modes of public transportation, and this is what is currently offered by motorcycle taxis," said Abante.
Abante said that "as long as mass transportation systems like the MRT run at sub-optimal levels and regularly break down, it is the obligation of government to offer options, not limit them."
He added that during the pilot-testing phase of motorcycle taxi operations, the said mode of transport "has proven to be a boon for commuters and a benefit for those wanting to earn a living."
"By all accounts, motorcycle taxis have also been established as safe and reliable, which is why they are so popular among commuters."
The legislator acknowledged the need for Congress to fast-track amendments to the 1964-enacted Land Transportation and Traffic Code that at present prohibits the use of two-wheeled vehicles as PUVs.
This, said Abante, was why members of the minority bloc committed to work with the House leadership to pass the necessary legislation that would allow for the continued operation of motorcycle taxis.