House panel on Metro Manila dev’t to push for motorcycle taxi law

Manila 2nd District Representative and House Committee on Metro Manila Development chair Rolando Valeriano.

MANILA, Philippines — Recognizing the urgent need to provide an affordable and faster mode of transportation that would help alleviate the public’s commuting woes, Manila 2nd District Representative and House Committee on Metro Manila Development chair Rolando Valeriano said he will help push for the swift passage of the Motorcycle Taxi bill into law.

House Bill 10571, which is a consolidation of 18 other proposals, will help provide millions of Filipinos a safe, reliable, accessible, and low-cost mode of transportation.

“We often receive complaints regarding how commuting has become even more difficult these days. Ang hirap pumara ng jeep, ang hirap sumakay ng bus, ang hirap sumiksik sa MRT tapos saksakan pa daw ng mahal magbook ng Grab. Our commuters are suffering every day. We need to swiftly pass the law on Motorcycle Taxis so we can provide the commuting public with an alternative mode of transportation,” Valeriano explained.

READ: In post-COVID public transport, gov’t gives glance at motorcycle taxis

Once the bill is passed, motorcycle taxi-hailing companies which help transport passengers, and deliver food and different types of packages will be able to apply for a government franchise.

Currently, three motorcycle taxi companies–Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It–were granted a special provision to operate motorcycle taxis under the government’s pilot study.

However last August, Grab successfully acquired Move It, raising numerous questions about whether Grab is circumventing government regulatory bodies in order to be included in the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

“A number of statements have already been made regarding the Grab-Move It deal.  Some say there is no need to review, some say the acquisition did not breach the thresholds for compulsory notification. As a law-making body, it is our duty in Congress to review the legality of Grab’s acquisition of Move It and open a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation. We want to assure the public that we will do everything in our power to pass a well-grounded motorcycle taxi law that promotes healthy competition and champions the safety, protection, and welfare of both the passengers and riders,” Valeriano said.

House Committee Vice Chairman and Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua earlier slammed Grab’s acquisition of Move It saying the sale was ‘premature’ given that the government is currently conducting a pilot study for motorcycle taxis.

Chua stressed they are not against the entry of new players in the motorcycle taxi industry but it should be done once a law is in place to ensure everyone’s protection.

Transport, civic, and rider groups have also expressed their disappointment over the alleged backdoor entry of Grab into the government’s pilot study.

They feel Grab should first resolve mounting complaints from its riders and passengers before dabbling into motorcycle taxis.

The ride-hailing giant has yet to fully comply with the refund mandated by the Philippine Competition Commission after it was proven that Grab was overcharging its passengers.

Out of the P25.45M refund ordered by the PCC, Grab was only able to refund P6.15M to its passengers.

Also, it can be remembered that last August, around 500 Grab drivers in Angeles, Pampanga went on a strike to protest the alleged implementation of a new delivery fee that reduced their income per trip to almost half. From the delivery fee of P49 pesos for the first 3 kilometers, Grab allegedly reduced the fee to P26 without consulting their riders.

Valeriano said all these issues will be taken into consideration during the congressional inquiry in aid of legislation.

/MUF