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MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a measure recognizing motorcycle taxis as common carriers and additional modes of public transportation.
With 200 lawmakers voting in the affirmative and only Kabataan party list Rep. Raoul Manuel opposing, House Bill No. 10424, or the proposed Motorcycles-for-Hire Act, was given the final nod during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Under the bill, motorcycle taxis will be considered common carriers and public utility vehicles (PUVs) for the transportation of passengers and goods, including parcels and mail. They are required to register with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which will be tasked to ensure their roadworthiness.
READ: Speaker pushes law on motorcycle taxis
The draft measure also tasks the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to work with the Department of Trade and Industry and LTO in setting the standards and specifications for motorcycles-for-hire to ensure the safety of passengers and transported cargo.
It likewise authorizes the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue franchises or certificates of public convenience to motorcycle taxis.
READ: LTFRB approves four more motorcycle taxi firms
Registration required
Under the bill, motorcycle taxi platform providers (MTPPs) and online E-commerce platform providers (OEPPs) must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The LTFRB, in addition to issuing franchises, will prescribe the fares, surcharges and other transportation fees to be charged by operators, OEPPs or MTPPs of motorcycle taxis in consultation with the industry and subject to DOTr approval.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said the passage of the bill showed that the House recognizes “that motorcycles-for-hire not just serve as an efficient alternative to mass public transportation but also [as] a viable source of livelihood for Filipinos.”
Motorcycle taxis were allowed to operate starting in June 2019 under a six-month pilot program to determine their suitability as PUVs. The test run was then extended until March 2020, only to be overtaken by the pandemic. It was later decided to further expand and lengthen the program to allow more motorcycle taxis to participate.