Trike drivers cry foul over moto taxi expansion

Tricycle organizations in the Philippines have blasted the government's expansion of motorcycle taxi (MC taxi) services, accusing officials of disregarding the rights and livelihoods of tricycle drivers.

According to Ariel Lim, president of the National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (NACTODAP) and the National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC), they are criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Transportation (DoTr), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for their "hasty and unilateral decisions."

"We were not consulted, yet we are the ones affected," Lim said. "TODAs have been the backbone of local transportation for decades, and now we are being pushed aside for profit-driven MC taxi operators."

Jopet Sison, a founding chairman of the Quezon City Tricycle Franchising Board, echoed Lim's concerns.

"This is not just about MC taxis. It's about respect for the workers who keep our communities moving. The government must engage with us before implementing policies that impact our sector," Sison said.

The groups are demanding that Marcos order the DoTr and LTFRB to suspend the expansion of MC taxi services until a proper dialogue with stakeholders is conducted.

"We're not against progress, but fairness and inclusion are non-negotiable," Sison said.