A commuter uses Angkas motorcycle transport as seen in the street of Makati City, to bypass Metro Manila’s traffic choked roads.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines—Executives of “Angkas” have downplayed claims that the motorcycle ride-hailing service is a dangerous mode of transportation, claiming that their records show that it is almost foolproof.
“In reference of public safety, we are for the first time divulging our safety record. Our safety record in Angkas, since the time of our operations, is 99.997 percent,” Angkas spokesperson George Royeca said on Friday.
“Kami po ay safe sa daan [we are safe on the road], we train our drivers very well, we take time into making sure that they are all well-trained. Lahat po ng drivers namin ay professional po ang driver’s license [all of our drivers have professional driver’s license],” he added.
He also clarified that even if the government does not yet regulate Angkas, both riders and passengers are insured in case of accidents.
“Marami pong nagsasabi na wala kaming insurance, hindi po ‘yan totoo. Meron po kaming insurance for the biker and the passenger,” Royeca explained.
“We take safety very seriously, and we intend to transport our commuters and give livelihood to our partners,” he added.
Angkas was responding to talks that the suspension of their operations stem from concerns on the safety of mass transportation in two wheels. However, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reiterated in a statement that the safety issues were not the basis of the suspension.
“Higit sa usapin ng kaligtasan, ito ang dahilan kung kaya naglabas din ng isang resolusyon ang Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board o LTFRB para ipatupad ang isinasaad ng batas,” LTFRB said on Friday.
(In terms of safety issues, this is the reason why the LTFRB issued a resolution to implement what is the law requires.)
READ: LTFRB reminds Angkas to respect SC’s TRO, follow the law
Angkas operations were deemed suspended after the Supreme Court (SC) issued a resolution last December 5, overruling the decision of the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 213.
In September 2018, the Mandaluyong RTC restricted the LTFRB from meddling in the operations of the ride-sharing app.
Despite the SC resolution, Angkas would continue on operating, as they believe that the high court has not yet decided whether their business is illegal or not.
“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,” Royeca said. /jpv
(We will continue to hit the road today. Let me reiterate that the TRO from the Supreme Court concerns only the injunction that was granted by the RTC.) /jpv
READ: Despite SC’s TRO, Angkas to continue operations