MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday asked for more time to evaluate the safety and legal concerns that entangle the use of motorcycles as a mode of public transportation.
According to the DOTr, the legalization of motorcycle taxis would go against an order issued by the Supreme Court and expose agency execs to contempt of court.
“Allowing motorcycle taxis to operate as public transport would go against the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, thereby exposing DOTr officials to criminal liability or contempt of court,” the DOTr said in a statement.
The DOTr said an amendment of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code could help pave the way for the use of motorcycles as taxis.
“This is why the DOTr has maintained that the best recourse for conversion of motorcycle taxis to public transport is amendment of the law,” it said.
In December, the High Court temporarily stopped the operations of the motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas.
READ: SC temporarily stops Angkas operations
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) immediately enforced the order “to apprehend and impound” Angkas motorcycles.
Read more: LTFRB to traffic law enforcers: Impound Angkas motorcycles
But the DOTr maintains that it is not opposed to the operation of Angkas.
“The DOTr also wishes to reiterate that it does not intend to antagonize Angkas. In fact, the DOTr has welcomed motorcycle groups in TWG discussions to thresh out the requirements and other contingent issues,” it said
“These issues are ultimately directed at regulation for passenger safety and nothing else,” it added.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed on second reading a bill that would regulate the use of motorcycles as a mode of public transport.
If enacted, House Bill 8959 or “An Act Allowing and Regulating the Use of Motorcycles as Public Utility Vehicles,” will amend the decades-old Republic Act (RA) 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Under Land Transportation and Traffic Code, passenger automobiles may be classified as either private or public “for hire,” depending on its purpose.
However, under Section 7(c) of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, “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.” /muf
READ: House OKs bill allowing motorcycles as public transport on second reading