Senator Grace Poe reiterated her strong support for the legalization of motorcycle-for-hire services in the Philippines during the Committee on Public Services hearing on Tuesday, January 14.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance remarked that motorcycles are a preferred mode of transportation for many Filipino commuters and cited “overwhelming data” that advocates for the permanent integration of motorcycles into the public transportation system.
“The failure of our transportation system to address mobility challenges led to the unprecedented growth of motorcycles-for-hire,” Poe remarked.
“Despite safety concerns inherent to riding a motorcycle, it has become apparent that this is the preferred mode of transportation of many commuters today because of its affordability and swiftness,” she added.
Poe emphasized the necessity of establishing a regulatory framework to govern motorcycle-for-hire operations effectively, arguing that not everyone can afford a taxi ride or own a car.
“In doing so, we are uplifting a segment of our society and transforming them into formalized professional drivers with income and welfare benefits,” she said.
Poe also said she believes that the government and its lawmakers have gathered enough data to craft a regulatory framework that is dynamic and responsive to the needs of the commuting public.
“The motorcycle-for-hire bill has been through the long and winding road to passage. Our tank is full, it is now time to start our engines and put our years of work into motion,” she added.