DOTr thanks Supreme Court for TRO on ‘Angkas’

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) welcomed on Wednesday the decision of the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against motorcycle ride-hailing app “Angkas.”

“We thank the high court for issuing the TRO, as it is in line with our efforts to prioritize the safety and security of the riding public through proper implementation of the law,” DOTr Communications Director Goddes Libiran told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

Libiran reiterated the department’s stand against the use of motorcycles which it considered not safe as a form of public transportation.

“Our position remains the same— motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress,” she said.

“Additionally, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered as a safe mode of public transport,” Libiran added.

The Supreme Court issued the TRO against a ruling of a lower court that prevents the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) from interfering with the operations of Angkas.

“To prevent an injustice to petitioners [LTFRB] whose regulatory powers are being pared down, pending final determination of the present petition, the Court… resolves to issue a temporary restraining order effective immediately and continuing until further orders from this Court,” the High Court said.

READ: SC temporarily stops Angkas operations

In September, the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court allowed Angkas to operate once again, 10 months after the government prevented them from doing so.

READ: ‘Angkas’ is back: Mandaluyong court gives green light for its operations