An official on Tuesday urged the government to allow the operation of motorcycle taxis but said they should be strictly regulated to avoid accidents.
“I am in favor of motorcycle taxis,” said Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.
“They are very prevalent in the provinces and they’ve existed for a long time. I do not see why these should not be legalized. The government would then be able to properly regulate them if they’re legalized.”
Romualdo made the statement in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Temporary Restraining Order on the operation of the motorcycle-based ride-hailing app “Angkas.”
As a result of the order, transport authorities have arrested Angkas drivers who continue to carry passengers.
“The order of the Court has to be respected and followed. It is what it is,” Romualdo said.
But he said many commuters preferred motorcycle taxis because of the horrendous traffic in Metro Manila.
“I think a lot of commuters will definitely be affected by the TRO,” Romualdo said.
“I have not had the chance to try Angkas, but I have relatives and friends who are Angkas users and they say the service is truly very convenient.”
Angkas stopped operating last year after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board banned it, but it was able to secure a preliminary injunction from the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court that allowed it to resume operations.
However, the high court annulled the injunction early this month, and that stopped Angkas from operating.