Opposition senatorial bets to gov’t: Fix the transport system

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition senatorial bets on Friday called on the government to expedite the improvement of the country’s transport system after the Supreme Court temporarily stopped the operations of the motorcycle ride-sharing app Angkas.

READ: SC temporarily stops Angkas operations

“Ayusin agad-agad ang mga mass public transport system. Unahin ang karaniwang mamamayan, hindi ang mga nagpapayaman sa pamahalaan,” Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, and Romeo Macalintal said in a joint statement.

(Fix the public transport system. Prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens, not those who are in government).

The three defended commuters for choosing Angkas, saying they only tried to find a solution to the heavy traffic and the country’s transportation woes.

“Gumagawa na ng sariling solusyon ang mga tao sa trapik at kawalang-trabaho. Higpitan ang pagsiguro ng kaligtasan ng mga sumasakay. Huwag nang pahirapan pa ang mga tao. Ang isyu ng Angkas ay isyu ng kaligtasan, trapik, at kabuhayan,” they added.

(People are trying to find their own solution to the traffic problems, lack of employment. Ensure the safety of riders. Do not add to the people’s problems anymore. The issues behind Angkas are safety, traffic, and livelihood.)

Although the three opposition bets  said data have shown motorcycles were prone to road crashes with 25,058 recorded accidents last year, many commuters were left with no choice but to find an alternative.

READ: Angkas exec: ‘We are 99.9% safe’

“Para sa mga karaniwang tao, nandyan ang MRT, LRT, van, taksi, jeep, bus, tricycle, padyak, at eto ngang nausong Grab at Angkas,” they said.

“Kumbaga, kumakapit na sa patalim ang mga tao makarating lang sa oras sa trabaho o makauwi nang mas maaga, aalisan niyo pa ng paraan para magawa ito.”

(People are resorting to extreme measures to reach their workplaces on time or to arrive home early, then you’ll take these from them.)

Angkas riders have called on Congress to amend Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code which prevents them from operating.

Section 7(c) of R.A. 4136 states that “private motorcycles, scooters, or motor wheel attachments […] shall not be used for hire under any circumstances and shall not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay.” /ee

READ: Angkas riders call on lawmakers to amend R.A. 4136