200 bikes released in counterflow ‘amnesty’; then 300 impounded for offense

On personal thought, while we are aware of the importance of security, I realize the practicality of Angkas. I live in a barangay where there are not so many jeepneys and many people rely on motorcycles like Angkas (habal-habal)... On a personal note, I understand and I believe that it should be restudied and approached with a more humane heart. JOSE PALMA Cebu Archbishop

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is calling on the National Government to consider creating a policy that would allow motorcycles to be used for ride-sharing purposes.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 19, Palma said he believes that the use of motorcycles for ride-sharing is not only practical but also convenient, especially with the worsening traffic felt in some parts of the metropolis.

Palma reacted following the decision of the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against ride-hailing application Angkas and habal-habal drivers in general.

Palma said that motorcycles being used for public transportation are very helpful, especially in areas where public utility vehicles such as jeepneys are not common.

He admitted that he often uses a habal-habal or motorcycle-for-hire in his hometown in Barutac Nuevo in Iloilo.

Palma said even his late mother accepted the services of a habal-habal whenever she went around town because of its convenience and accessibility.

He believes that there is a need for further study to determine if motorcycles are suitable for public transportation.

“On personal thought, while we are aware of the importance of security, I realize the practicality of Angkas. I live in a barangay where there are not so many jeepneys and many people rely on motorcycles like Angkas (habal-habal)... On a personal note, I understand and I believe that it should be restudied and approached with a more humane heart,” said Palma.

But Palma also understands the sentiment of government agencies in regulating the practice for security reasons.

“To me, yes, we should be serious about security, but at least we should also be kind and practical about people who may not have any other way of transportation,” Palma added.

More than a week ago, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Angkas after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) sought to stop its services for lack of a franchise to operate.

The SC order also allowed the LTFRB and DOTr to apprehend Angkas riders.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. said Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña should help the habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) drivers legalize their operations instead of giving them temporary assistance.

Alcover said legalizing the habal-habal operation as a mode of public transport will provide a long-term help to the drivers.

He said Osmeña only focused on helping ride-hailing application Angkas.

He added that the mayor misled the public that Angkas and other habal-habal operations are one.

“Why will he focus on Angkas? Does that mean that he will get something from it because it’s business? He should focus on how to legalize the habal-habal,” he said.

Alcover’s reaction came after Osmeña earlier announced that he would ask the City Council again to authorize him to file an appeal before the SC, on behalf of the riding public, in relation to the high court’s ruling against Angkas.

When he was a congressman, Alcover said he sponsored in 2012 House Bill 6046, which would have legalized the operation of the habal-habal, but failed to get the support of the other members.

By regulating the habal-habal, there will be a uniform rate for the fare and fewer unregistered drivers, among other things.

In the City Council, Alcover also sponsored an ordinance that would regulate the operation of habal-habal, but it was not approved.

Despite the setbacks, Alcover said he would continue to push for the regulation of habal-habal.

Earlier, the City set aside P15 million to be used as emergency assistance to the habal-habal drivers in the city.

Osmeña said the P15 million will be used to buy rice that will be distributed to the drivers.

Meanwhile, support has continued to pour in for Angkas.

Aside from the online petition to support the operation of Angkas, its management has also sponsored a free thanksgiving concert on Saturday, Dec. 22 in Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Release

Last Dec. 14, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) released around 200 motorcycles that had been impounded for counterflowing after Osmeña granted a “spot amnesty” to first offenders.

Osmeña authorized the release of the impounded motorcycles after recognizing that without Angkas and habal-habal, many people would lose their means of transportation.

But CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said that while they were able to release 200 motorcycles from their impounding area at the South Road Properties, around 300 motorcycles had also been impounded since Dec. 15 for counterflowing.

Why will he focus on Angkas? Does that mean that he will get something from it because it’s business? He should focus on how to legalize the habal-habal. COUNCILOR PASTOR ALCOVER JR. On Cebu City Mayor Osmeña’s move to support the motorcycle-hailing application