Several party-list legislators on Wednesday expressed support for the continued operation of motorcycle taxis during a hearing on the proposed institutionalization of the service by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation.
The same legislators maintained the support on motorcycle taxis that they expressed in January 2020, when the transportation service was fielded for pilot testing.
Party-list Rep. Sandro Gonzalez, the first nominee of the party-list group Marino and vice chairman of the panel, in January 2020 expressed support for the continuation and expansion of the pilot study that allowed motorcycle taxis to operate.
Gonzalez also supported the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases in June 2020 to allow backriding in motorcycles subject to compliance with health protocols.
“Motorcycle taxis serve as an effective alternative mode of transportation, considering that buses and jeepneys have limited routes. Motorcycle taxis provide point-to-point transportation which is cheaper than using cars for the same purpose. As we continue to struggle with the pandemic and the limited transport options, we should not close our doors to alternatives,” Gonzalez said.
The party-list group made its stance clear as some seamen affected by the downturn in the global economy resort to alternate livelihoods, including motorcycle taxis, to make ends meet.
“Allowing the operation of motorcycle taxis will ensure that the thousands of motorcycle taxi operators and drivers will keep their livelihoods in this time of crisis. It will also ensure the mobility of riders and workers, which is vital in stimulating economic activity,” Party-list Rep. Macnell Lusotan, the second nominee of Marino, added.
In addition to livelihood opportunities for seamen, motorcycle taxis, particularly Angkas, played a vital role in the relief efforts of the party-list group in delivering food packs, medicines and vitamins to seafarers in Metro Manila who were stranded when the government imposed strict community quarantines.
“Motorcycle taxis literally delivered for seamen during the quarantine. We have seen first-hand their value for our constituents and what they can do for the people and the economy. The Marino Party-list’s assistance efforts would not have been as successful without them,” said Gonzalez.
The two lawmakers likewise urged that the same permission be given to operators in major cities outside Metro Manila including Cebu City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod City and Iloilo City.