A partylist group said Monday that they will continue to advocate for a law legalizing and regulating motorcycle taxis, touting them as a cheaper and safer transportation alternative for commuters.
Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of the 1-Rider Partylist said that passing a law to regulate the thousands of motorcycle taxis operating would not only benefit commuters but also create jobs and livelihood opportunities for riders.
“Legalizing and regulating motorcycle taxis is a service that the riding public deserves,” Gutierrez said. “It provides commuters an alternative to the traditional mass transportation, which is sorely lacking. We give them an alternative that is safe, efficient and economical.”
Gutierrez, who is seeking reelection as the first nominee of the 1-Rider Partylist, also said House Bill 10424, or the Motorcycle-for-Hire Act, which he co-authored, would protect the jobs of more than 60,000 riders who rely on the motorcycle taxi industry.
“The Motorcycle-for-Hire Act must be a priority legislation to drive our transport framework forward,” Gutierrez said. “This measure is in line with goals to advance the transportation infrastructure for the country and reflects the current needs for innovative solutions to urban mobility challenges.”
The House of Representatives passed the bill in July 2024, and it is now awaiting concurrence from the Senate, which has its own version of the legislation.
Gutierrez said he has long advocated for easing the burden on commuters and drivers and has also filed the National Traffic Centralization Act and Fair Traffic Apprehension Act.
“We will work harder under the 20th Congress to make the Motorcycle-for-Hire Act a law,” he said. “This is the least we can do for our thousands of riders and commuters.”