LTFRB, LTO can’t sanction app-based motorbike service

Transport authorities cannot impose sanctions on Angkas, an app-based motorcycle riding service whose driver figured in an accident in Manila last month, leaving his passenger critically injured.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Monday that in January, it ordered Angkas to stop offering its services online as it was not authorized to operate as a transportation network company (TNC).

Its use of motorcycles is also prohibited under the Department of Transportation’s Order No. 2015-011 which allows accredited TNCs to use only sedans, Asian utility vehicles, sport utility vehicles and vans.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO), the government agency which has jurisdiction over motorcycles, said that all it could do in the meantime was impose sanctions on Angkas driver Zammy Banzuela.

“What we can do is to seek the driver’s explanation to determine if there are any violations in the exercise of the privileges [which come with] his license and motorcycle registration. All others that are not within our mandate, what can be done is for the aggrieved party to file charges,” said LTO chief Edgar Galvante, who admitted that this was the first time he had heard of Angkas.

On July 15, Banzuela was traveling on Nagtahan Bridge when his motorcycle skidded, causing him and his passenger, Alejandro Cajano, to fall on the pavement. Cajano, who had hired Banzuela through the Angkas app, was struck by a sport utility vehicle, leaving him in serious condition.

The LTFRB had previously stopped Grab from offering a similar motorcycle service called GrabBike.

According to former LTFRB board member Ariel Inton, this was possible because Grab was under the agency’s supervision and its accreditation could be suspended or revoked for failing to comply with the terms and conditions set by the LTFRB.

Tim Orbos, the transport undersecretary for road transport, said that he would meet with the LTO and LTFRB on the matter, adding that this was why they were taking a closer look at TNCs to ensure that they could be held accountable for accidents.