It is good that the LTFRB is allowing the entry of two new players, but their entry should not mean loss of livelihood for Angkas riders.
THOUSANDS of riders stage a rally to denounce an order to slice the number of Angkas motorycle service in half. AFP
Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffino “Ruffy” Biazon on Monday called for an inquiry into the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) order that limits the number of riders of the motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas.
According to Biazon, the LTFRB’s recent order would impact not just on the Angkas riders but the commuters as well.
“As the public struggles with the mobility crisis that affects their daily life and productivity, this action by LTFRB regarding an option that has proven to be effective and viable will surely impact not just Angkas riders but the commuters.”
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“(I) will move for an inquiry into this,” he said.
Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy also joined calls to save Angkas.
She said that while the LTFRB’s decision to allow two new players is a welcome development, thousands of Angkas drivers should not lose their jobs due to the implementation of the recent order.
‘’It is good that the LTFRB is allowing the entry of two new players, but their entry should not mean loss of livelihood for Angkas riders because that would be an injustice to the rider and their families,” Herrera-Dy, who is also deputy majority leader, said.
From an initial cap of 27,000 bikers for the 6-month Angkas pilot run, an Inter-agency Technical Working Group for motorcycle taxis set a new cap of 10,000 bikers each in Metro Manila for Angkas and two other new providers — Move It and Joyride.
Angkas lamented the order and said the limit set by the LTFRB would mean removing 17,000 riders from their force.
Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite, likewise, joined the public outrage over LTFRB’s order and called for the suspension of the order pending “exhaustive consultations” with stakeholders.
“Not only is this move indifferent to the bikers, it is also callous towards commuters that are already burdened by the transport crisis,” he said.
“With the absence of an efficient public transportation system, it would be best that LTFRB heed the public clamor, refrain from making a move that would worsen the transport crisis, and suspend this disruptive move pending exhaustive consultations with all stakeholders,” Gaite concluded.
