The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recommended to the House of Representatives the termination of the ongoing five-year Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Program. However, it suggests continuing the program until the passage of the MC Taxi Bill into law.
As the head of the MC Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG), LTFRB Chair Atty. Teofilo Guadiz also proposed abstaining from accrediting new players. Instead, he suggested maintaining the three current operators given provisional licenses: Angkas, Joyride, and Move It.
“Part of the recommendation is for the LTFRB to continuously monitor po yung mga andyan. Kasama din po dito yung recommendation namin na hindi na muna mag-accredit ng additional players sa pilot study. Maintain na lang po yung nandoon at monitor na lang for possible infractions,” Guadiz explained.
The Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Study, launched in 2019 following a resolution from the House Representatives, lays the groundwork for motorcycle taxi legislation in the country.
However, it faces challenges including expansion beyond Metro Manila and approval of new operators. Some lawmakers urge the MC Taxi TWG to conclude the study before pursuing further initiatives.
During a Senate hearing last March, Sen. Grace Poe urged the DOTr-TWG to prioritize the submission of the pilot study’s assessment and results before moving forward with plans to add additional players and expand the program.
“Expanding the program to other locations and new players needs efficient planning and traffic assessment. Kailangang maipakita ng TWG na talagang pinag-aralan ang magiging epekto nito sa parehong commuters at service providers (The TWG needs to show that it has really studied its effect to both the commuters and service providers),” Poe said.
During a radio interview, Guadiz stated that the decision to adopt the TWG’s recommendations rests with the House of Representatives.
Nonetheless, they advocate for concluding the pilot study while continuing the MC Taxi Pilot program, emphasizing the livelihoods of many riders dependent on the app-based service.
“Hindi na po kailangan ng extension. Habang ginagawa yung batas, ituloy lang sana yung programa kasi 45 thousand po yung binigyan ng slots sa Metro Manila. Mawawalan po lahat yan ng trabaho,” Guadiz said.
