Solon for regulation of motorcycle taxis
Aranking House of Representatives member is arguing in favor of the proper regulation of motorcycle taxis by the government.
According to Camiguin lone district Rep. Xavier Jesus "XJ" Romualdo, motorcycle taxis have long been a fixture in rural life in the Philippines.
"Yeah [I'm in favor of motorcycle taxis], they're very prevalent in the provinces and they've existed for a long time already. I don't see why they shouldn't be legalized," said Romualdo, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.
"Government would then be able to properly regulate them if they're legalized," he pointed out.
The Mindanao solon made the statement in the light of the Supreme Court's (SC) Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the operations of motorcyclebased ride-hailing app "Angkas." With the TRO, transportation authorities have been apprehending Angkas drivers who continue to accept and carry passengers.
"The order of the Court has to be respected and followed. It is what it is," said Romualdo, who is a lawyer.
However, the Camiguin congressman couldn't help but comment about the negative impact of the TRO on commuters.
"I think that a lot of commuters will definitely be negatively affected by the TRO," he said.
"I haven't had the chance to try Angkas but I have relatives and friends who are Angkas users and they say that the service is truly very convenient," noted Romualdo.
Angkas voluntarily suspended its operations last year after they were outlawed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Then, last September, the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a preliminary injunction allowing motorcycle ride-hailing service to resume its operations. The SC then handed down a TRO.