GOING LEGIT | A motorcycle taxi ferries a passenger in Mandaluyong City amid plans to grant them a public transportation franchise. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday assured the public that the House of Representatives would prioritize a measure that would legalize motorcycle taxis as an alternative public transport.
Using motorcycles as public transportation has been undergoing pilot testing under the Department of Transportation in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro since 2019. Some 54,000 motorcycle taxis are participating in the pilot run nationwide, 45,000 of which are in the National Capital Region.
In a statement on Sunday, Romualdez said the move was in line with President Marcos’ advocacy for more public transportation options and his support for the legalization of motorcycle taxis as well as eased transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) regulations following his meeting with officials of Grab Holdings Inc. in Malacañang. Grab was excluded from the pilot testing of motorcycle taxis.
The Speaker urged members of the chamber to prioritize House Bill No. 3412, filed by 1-Rider Party-list Representatives Bonifacio Bosita and Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, which seeks to legalize motorcycle taxis and reforms in the TNVS rules.
More choices, opportunities
“The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are foundational to our democracy,” Romualdez said. “It is imperative to adapt our laws to the evolving transportation landscape to ensure the well-being and convenience of our citizens.”
According to the Speaker, the motorcycle taxi industry has given jobs and livelihood to many Filipinos. “It’s about time that we recognize them as responsible members of the Filipino community and put in place sufficient regulations to protect the interest of our citizens,” he said.
“The legalization of motorcycle taxis and the relaxation of TNVS regulations align with our goals to provide more choices for passengers, drivers and businesses, particularly MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises). This approach not only addresses the demand for more accessible public transport but also contributes to the economic recovery and employment opportunities in the country,” he said.
Transport tune-up
The Speaker further said that the move to prioritize HB 3412 reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transportation infrastructure and regulatory environment, in line with the President’s vision of a more progressive and inclusive Philippines.
Romualdez called on House members to support the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on commuters, the transportation sector and the economy at large.
READ: It’s time to legalize motorcycles as taxis – Poe
HB 3412 seeks to address legal barriers preventing motorcycles from being used as common carriers and would formalize the status of motorcycle taxis.
The bill is seen as a response to the rapid development of app-driven TNVS companies, highlighting the need for updated regulations to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving public needs.
It is, likewise, expected to facilitate better regulation, enhance safety standards and contribute significantly to the country’s economic recovery.