LTFRB clarifies: Angkas can only transport goods, not passengers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 has clarified that operations of the motorcycle-hailing app Angkas is still suspended, amid agitation over social media that it has been revived.

What has been used especially this holiday rush is the Angkas Padala, which is another mobile application that offers roadside delivery service.

“If this Angkas Padala is transporting parcels and not passengers anymore, then well and good. But, I presume that Angkas Padala must have already met the requirements of other government offices like the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and the LGUs (local government units) where they operate,” said LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon.

He said their office actually encourages this motorcycle service as an alternative livelihood for motorcyclists who were adversely affected by the apprehensions.

He, however, is still unaware whether Angkas Padala has been granted the authority to operate since this kind of business is not within the agency’s jurisdiction.

“LTFRB only regulates Transport Network Companies (TNCs) that utilize Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) vehicles used for passenger transport. It is on that score that we ran after Angkas before, because it operated as a TNC while its members acted as TNVS units,” he explained.

Cuizon said motorcycle delivery services like Angkas Padala do not need accreditation or permission from LTFRB.

“Hence we approve of it, subject to regulations from other concerned government offices such as the LGUs,” he said.

Using Angkas Padala, senders and recipients have to meet the biker outdoors to give and receive packages.

“We warn those operating under Angkas Padala against offering passenger transport as it is still illegal. Likewise, we wish to warn passengers that they are not covered by any insurance should they meet accidents while using these illegal transport services,” he said.

“They should not blame the government if, God forbid, they figure in accidents resulting from riding on Angkas Padala motorcycles,” he added.

Cuizon also emphasized that their agency maintains that Angkas Padala should not be used by its members as a cover to legitimize the illegal transport of passengers.