Transport firm ordered closed

THE MAKATI City government in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 9, said its Business Permit and License Office (BPLO) had closed down a transport firm engaged in a

“habal-habal” type (motorcycle) of transportation service for operating without a valid business permit from the city government.

BPLO chief Maribert Q. Pagente said an Order of Desistance/Closure was issued on Thursday to Angkas Training Center located at Natividad Building along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati.

BPLO inspectors, in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transformation Office, and Highway Patrol Group, conducted an actual inspection of the said establishment that failed to present a valid business permit.

The inspection and subsequent closure of Angkas arose from a request by the LTFRB for the Makati City mayor’s office to provide assistance in apprehending the establishment, which the Makati City government said was reportedly involved in a number of traffic accidents.

In a statement e-mailed to the media on Thursday, Angkas confirmed LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada’s visit Thursday morning, saying it “regrets not being able to welcome and dialogue with Board Member Lizada as key managers were out of office.”

“We look forward to discussing the Board’s concerns with Angkas and find a way towards regulation for this space,” the statement also said.

Angkas also said it “has always been open to regulation.”

The statement noted further: “There are thousands of habal-habal riders operating in Metro Manila and other cities in the country. The growth of habal-habal motorcycles is unabated due to the growing need for faster travel in congested tight city streets.”

“If left unregulated, habal-habal and other informal motorcycle-taxi operations will continue to flourish without the benefit of safety processes, training standards and insurance coverage.” “That is what Angkas wants to change.” “We ask our good Secretary of Transportation, Secretary Arthur Tugade, through the LTFRB Board, to respectfully consider an amendment to department order 2015-011 to allow two-wheeled vehicles under the TNVS category. Doing so will firmly put Angkas and all motorcycle-taxis officially under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB.”