DOTr-TWG calls for continuation of motorcycle taxi pilot study

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation’s Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG) has appealed to the House of Representatives committee on transportation to continue the pilot study on motorcycle taxis.

During a recent House hearing, committee members and resource persons were briefed on the progress of the pilot study by the DOTr.

LTO chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza, also vice chairman of the TWG, disagreed with the termination of the pilot study.

He highlighted gaps that must be addressed, including issues like multi-homing and liabilities. Mendoza also emphasized the importance of a transition period to ensure the proper implementation of the study.

This appeal comes in response to SAGIP Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta’s inquiry about why the MC Taxi Pilot Study is still ongoing when a previous document indicated its end in 2021.

Marcoleta questioned the DOTr-TWG’s rationale for limiting participation to only three players – Angkas, Move It, and Joy Ride. 

He also sought clarification on the increase in rider allocation.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and TWG chairman Teofilo Guadiz clarified that the pilot study, which started in 2019, was suspended due to the pandemic and resumed in 2020.

Its purpose is to provide recommendations on safety, security, franchising, regulatory procedures, and law enforcement issues.

Guadiz emphasized that the termination of the pilot study rests solely with the House of Representatives.

This explanation, however, did not sit well with House committee on transportation chairman and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, who asserted that the TWG should submit a report confirming the conclusion of the pilot study to the House rather than seeking legislative authority.

“If your pilot study is already terminated, bakit hindi kayo magsubmit ng report dito na yung pilot study ay tapos na. Bakit manggagaling sa amin? Make a report to the House that your study was already terminated and you are coming to a recommendation. Sinabi nyo na hanggang 2021 lang yung pilot study ninyo. What are you doing? You are abrogating to yourself the power of Congress to provide franchises”, Acop said.

Meanwhile, PBA Party-list Representative Atty. Migs Nograles proposed refraining from admitting new players to the pilot study until issues are resolved.

Nograles raised whether motorcycle taxis should be classified as public or private utility vehicles to determine liability.

She advocated amending the current memorandum circular to uphold higher diligence, especially before considering expansion.

“How do we address these issues now if we want to expand? The guidelines do not have the due diligence required. I suggest we amend the existing memorandum circular but amend it to make it extraordinary diligence. Sana po habang hindi pa naaayos ito, huwag natin padagdagan ng players para makaiwas sa mga aksidente,” Nograles said.

Ariel Lim, president of the National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (NACTODAP), agreed with Nograles regarding new player entry but suggested that if the TWG increases rider allocation, it should be outside Metro Manila.

Lim echoed concerns raised by Pateros-Taguig Representative Ricardo Cruz that the growing number of riders in Metro Manila negatively affects tricycle drivers’ livelihoods.

“Ang sinasabi lang po namin, wag na magdagdag sa Metro Manila. Pwede naman sa labas. Mamamatay na kaming mga tricycle driver. Hindi po kami tutol sa MC taxi, in fact, sinusupport namin ito pero ang sinasabi po namin, sana may cap sa Metro Manila kasi nagsisiksikan na sila dito. Buksan ito outside Metro Manila,” said Lim.

Following the hearing, the TWG will present recommendations on extending the pilot study, multi-homing, rider cap allocation, entry of new players, liabilities, and more.

The House of Representatives expects this comprehensive report within 45 days.

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