Despite SC’s TRO, Angkas to continue operations

MANILA, Philippines — The management of Angkas said Friday they will continue giving motorcycle rides to commuters even after the Supreme Court (SC) overruled a lower court’s decision that previously disallowed government from interfering in the ride-sharing app’s operations.

Angkas Spokesperson George Royeca said in a press briefing the SC decision never deemed Angkas as something legal or illegal, thus, the company believes they are still allowed to operate.

“Tuloy po ang pagbabyahe ngayon.  Let me reiterate lang po ang TRO po galing sa Korte Suprema ay ukol po sa injunction na na-grant ng RTC (Regional Trial Court),” Royeca told reporters in a venue near the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Quezon City.

“So wala pong desisyon tungkol sa Angkas na pagiging ilegal o legal sa daan,” he added.

And despite orders from the LTFRB to arrest riders and impound Angkas motorcycles, the ride-hailing firm vowed to support their riders, especially as some use it as their main source of income.

“Angkas has always been here to support its riding community.  So we will support all of our bikers to the extent of the law,” he explained.

“Kung ano po ang kailangan nating gawin para mailigtas yung ating biker, gagawin po natin, basta po nasa batas.  So if it is paying fines, anything around that […] tutulungan po namin ang mga bikers natin,” he added.

Last December 5, the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to “prevent an injustice against petitioners (LTFRB) whose regulatory powers were being pared down”.

Following the SC’s TRO, law enforcers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started flagging down Angkas riders, who can easily be spotted through their helmets which bear the app’s name and brand.

According to Royeca, Angkas will file its comments to SC’s ruling, hopeful the high court would favor their side.

“We hope that we can still continue to serve the riding public, we hope that our 25,000 biker-riders would still be able to take care of their families, especially now that it is Christmas time,” Royeca said.

“We still remain very hopeful that the Supreme Court will see the merits of Angkas and hopefully will rule in our favor,” he added./kga

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