LTFRB shuts down ‘Angkas’
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterdasy declared that the motorcycle-based ride-hailing service “Angkas” is as good as closed after yesterday’s joint operation led to the apprehension of 19 “Angkas” motorcycle drivers for operating without the necessary permits.
“Considered as closed na already,” Atty. Aileen Lizada LTFRB spokesperson said.
The LTFRB also presented documents obtained from the Makati Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) which cited ‘“Angkas” for operating without a mayor’s permit.
No permit Makati BPLO) chief Atty. Maribert Pagente said an Order of Desistance/Closure has been issued to Angkas Training Center, a transport firm found engaging in a “habal-habal” type (motorcycle) of transportation service.
The Makati-BPLO issued the documents after inspectors, in coordination with the LTFRB, Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Highway Patrol Group (HPG) conducted an actual inspection of the said establishment, and discovered that the firm did not have a valid business permit.
“You have been operating without the requisite business/ mayor’s permit which is a violation of Section 4A.01 of the Revised Makati Revenue Code,” cited in the closure order to Angkas whose office is located at Natividad Building located along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati.
A good number of commuters patronize “Angkas” since motorcycles can easily weave through traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
Lizada maintained that motorcycles are not considered transport providers.
Ride bust Lizada yesterday posed as a passenger of the illegal motorcycle riding app “Angkas” and later had the driver apprehended.
Lizada booked the ride in line with the LTFRB’s operation against “habal-habal” or motorcycles used to carry paying passengers.
Lizada booked a ride at McKinley Hill in Taguig City and got off at 5th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City where the driver was held by waiting operatives.
The LTFRB spokesperson reiterated that the operation of Angkas is illegal since it has no franchise to lawfully operate.
Aside from the LTFRB, the LTO and HPG were also part of the team that conducted the operation against colorum or illegal transport vehicle services.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Thomas Orbos said that “Angkas” does not have the franchise to function as a public transport system.