‘Angkas’ appeal junked

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) explained that the decision to classify motorcycles as legal public utility vehicles is under the jurisdiction of Congress.

Lawyer Aileen Lizada, LTFRB board member and spokesperson, reiterated over the weekend that under the law, motorcycles cannot be used as PUVs.

This was after the board, with personnel from the Land Transportation Office, and Highway Patrol Group, conducted a joint operation against motorcycle-hailing service company Angkas for operating without necessary permits. The operation led to the apprehension of its 19 drivers.

Earlier, Angkas appealed to the Department of Transportation to allow two-wheeled vehicles to formally operate under the transport network vehicle services (TNVS) category. In reply, Lizada cited Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and underscored that motorcycles cannot be used to transport passengers.

Under Section 7, private vehicles, private trucks, and private motorcycles, scooters, or motor wheel attachments “shall not be used for hire under any circumstances and shall not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay.”

Should Angkas continues to appeal to legally operate as PUV, the company should formally approach the Congress.

The board member concluded that they are only doing their duty as enforcers of the law.