Moto-Taxi Riders Pin Hopes on Senator Tulfo for Passage of 5-Year Pending MC Taxi Law

The Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines, a group representing motorcycle taxi riders nationwide, is urging Senate Committee on Public Services Chairman Senator Raffy Tulfo to prioritize the legalization of motorcycle taxis, a measure that has been pending for five years.

The group highlights that the prolonged pilot program, now in its fifth year, offers a clear solution to improving urban mobility and creating more economic opportunities.

“We believe that Senator Raffy Tulfo, a true ally and advocate of Filipino workers, is the new hope for every rider and passenger for the official recognition of this transport service in our Constitution,” said Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines Chairman Romeo Maglunsod.

Motorcycle taxis have been operating under a pilot program initiated in 2019, involving companies such as Angkas, JoyRide, and MOVE IT, with a total of 45,000 riders in Metro Manila. The program aims to assess the viability and safety of motorcycles-for-hire as a public transportation option.

Maglunsod emphasized that enacting the Motorcycle Taxi Law would significantly increase commuters’ confidence in using motorcycle taxis as a reliable, affordable, and safe mode of transportation.

He further noted that motorcycle taxis offer a practical solution to urban traffic problems, as they can navigate congested streets more efficiently, reducing travel times and providing a dependable mode of transport in densely populated areas.

“The MC Taxi Law will establish new standards to protect the livelihood and welfare of riders, such as standardized benefits and training programs provided by the platforms. For commuters, it will enhance the quality of motorcycle taxi services,” Maglunsod said. With proper regulation, the law would ensure consistent safety standards, fair practices, and improved services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed support for legalizing motorcycle taxis, emphasizing the need to expand transportation options for commuters, drivers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has identified House Bill No. 3412, which seeks to legalize motorcycle taxis and reform transportation network vehicle service regulations, as a priority measure.

Senator Grace Poe also underscored that a well-regulated framework would provide commuters with more transportation options and promote healthy competition among service providers.

Despite this broad support, the legislation remains stalled. Maglunsod voiced concern that the continued delay in passing the law could hinder the industry’s growth and its potential to contribute to economic development by creating more livelihood opportunities.

“Sen. Idol Raffy Tulfo, you are our hope in achieving our dream of being officially recognized by the law. We have long been a part of the daily lives of many Filipinos. It is time to provide clear regulations so we can further improve the quality of service offered by all platforms,” Maglunsod said.

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OPEN LETTER NG MOTORCYCLE TAXI COMMUNITY PHILIPPINES

Mga Rider ng Moto Taxi Umaasa kay Sen. Tulfo a para sa Legalization ng Motorcycle Taxis

Ang Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines ay nanawagan kay Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo na kanyang pamunuan ang pagsasabatas ng panukala para sa legalisasyon ng mga moto-taxis sa ating bansa. 

Naniniwala kami na si Sen. Raffy Tulfo, isang tunay na kakampi at kaakibat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino, ay ang panibagong pag-asa ng bawat rider at pasahero upang opisyal nang makilala ang transport service na ito sa ating saligang batas. 

Sa loob ng limang taon na pagtakbo ng motorcycle taxi pilot program, sama-samang napatunayan ng lahat ng mga platforms at mga riders na ang motorcycle taxis ay mabisang option ng transportasyon para sa libo-libong mananakay na Pilipino. 

Patuloy pa ang pagdami ng mga tumatangkilik sa aming ligtas, maasaahan, at tapat na serbisyo dahil nais nilang iwasan ang mga pangkaraniwang pasakit sa mga komyuter – mula sa mabigat ng daloy ng trapiko, hirap ng paglipat mula sa isang sakayan papunta sa susunod, init at tagal ng mga pila, at iba pa. 

Kaya ang tanging hiling ng mga tapat na naghahanapbuhay na moto-taxi riders ay maipasa na ang Motorcycle Taxi Law pagkat ito ang mas magpapatibay at mas magpapabuti pa ng kalagayan ng moto-taxis sa ating bansa. Ang MC Taxi Law ang magtatakda ng mga panibagong pamantayan para sa proteksyon ng kabuhayan at kalagayan ng bawat rider, gaya ng standardized na mga benipisyo at mga training programs ng mga platforms. Para sa mga komyuter, mas mapagiibayo pa ang pagpapaganda ng mga moto-taxi service platforms. 

Sen. Idol Tulfo, kayo po ang aming pag-asa sa pagkamit ng aming pangarap na opisyal na kaming kilalanin ng ating batas. Matagal na kaming bahagi ng pang-araw-araw na buhay ng maraming Pilipino. Panahon na para bigyan ng malinaw na regulasyon upang mas mapaigi pa natin ang antas ng serbisyo ng lahat ng platforms.