Senator Christopher "Bong" Go strongly condemned the separate killings of two motorcycle taxi riders in Metro Manila and nearby Cavite province, calling the attacks senseless acts of violence against ordinary workers.

Go expressed condolences to the families of Fabio Norberte Jr. and Ren Ren De Laviga, who police said were killed by suspects posing as passengers who had booked rides through mobile applications.

"It is heartbreaking and infuriating that people who are working honestly to put food on their family's table are the ones becoming victims of this kind of senseless violence," Go said in a statement. "Their deaths are not just personal tragedies, but a clear reflection of a worsening peace and order crisis in our society."

Norberte, a resident of Quezon City, was stabbed with an ice pick by a passenger in Caloocan City on 14 July, according to police reports. He was declared dead on arrival at the Caloocan City Medical Center, and his motorcycle was stolen.

Local authorities later arrested a suspect in Malabon City after he allegedly used Norberte’s stolen motorcycle in another robbery. The suspect faces complaints of homicide, robbery and carnapping.

Norberte was a single father and the sole caregiver for his 3-year-old son, who has autism. The child’s mother died when he was less than a month old. Go’s office has extended financial and medical assistance to Norberte’s family.

In a separate incident on 9 July, De Laviga was robbed and shot by a passenger who booked a trip from Tondo, Manila, to Carmona City, Cavite. Investigators recovered an empty shell casing and an unfired bullet from the scene.

Police said the assailant stole De Laviga's motorcycle, phone and electronic wallet, and later used the victim's phone to demand money from his family.

Go acknowledged the quick arrest of the suspects but called for comprehensive measures to protect gig-economy workers and ordinary citizens, contrasting the current security situation with the previous administration.

"If the public felt secure during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, today criminals seem to be getting bolder," Go said.

The senator noted that riders have begun posting messages on their helmets pleading with robbers to spare their lives, which he called a distressing sign.

The killings have renewed scrutiny on the safety of app-based delivery and transport workers. During the 19th Congress, Go filed Senate Bill 1184, also known as the Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act, which aims to establish legal protections for drivers operating under digital platforms.