‘ANGKAS BENEFICIAL TO CITY, PUBLIC’

Compared to habal-habal, Angkas is more efficient since its drivers are trained to follow traffic rules, Osmeña says. Angkas also helps people go to work or school on time.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena stressed the importance of Angkas in improving transportation services and traffic in the city.

He aired his sentiments on Angkas’ operations during the dialogue called by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board with Angkas and habal-habal drivers in Quezon City last Tuesday.

The mayor was adamant that Angkas benefits a lot of people as most use it as an alternative to cars in going to places.

“Don’t forget that Angkas provides a service. It is not just a question about the livelihood of the drivers. They provide service and the people complain to me, saying ‘Mayor, don’t stop Angkas because I want to go to work on time, get to class on time.’ I believe that the law should serve the people. What you are saying is that the people should serve the law, which is wrong,” he said.

He explained that Angkas makes the motorcycle taxi operations more efficient as their drivers are trained to follow traffic rules and the fares are fixed.

“I can say that Angkas is contributing to the improvement of traffic in Cebu because habal-habal drivers tend to block the intersections. With Angkas, you call and they will come to you,” he said.

Following the dialogue, LTFRB will submit to Congress its minutes of the discussion.

It will be up to Congress whether or not to legalize Angkas’ operations.

LTFRB suspended Angkas’ operations last month for operating without proper permits.

On Dec. 13, LTFRB held a job fair so Angkas drivers could look for alternative livelihood.

Cebu City Hall, though, has issued an order establishing the Two-Wheeled Motorized Vehicle Monitoring, Coordination and Assistance Unit, which would oversee for-hire motorcycle operations. /