LTFRB holds job fair for ‘angkas’ and ‘habal-habal’ drivers

FILE: LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) held its job fair Wednesday for drivers of suspended motorcycle ridesharing services “angkas” and “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxis).

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said 47 employers opened around 3,000 jobs during the whole-day event.

Offering the jobs were overseas companies, transportation network companies (TNCs), restaurants, couriers, and manpower agencies.

The so-called angkas has suspended operations starting last November 18, after the LTFRB said the units were operating without business permits.

Republic Act 4136, known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, prohibits the use of private motorcycles in transporting passengers with charged fares.

LTFRB has conducted its dialogue with angkas and habal-habal drivers Tuesday to hear their concerns. The staff of House Transportation Committee Rep. Cesar Sarmiento also attended the meeting.

“We explained the limitations of enforcement and regulatory bodies, the reason angkas and other habal-habal cannot be legalized yet. We also provided the angkas management an opportunity to present their business design. We want their business design to be compliant with the law,” Lizada said in a text message to reporters.

The LTFRB official added the House Transportation Committee is considering conducting a dialogue with the habal-habal drivers early next year.

The Board is leaving the decision up to Congress to craft a law that will legalize ridesharing on motorcycles.

“It is Congress who can change the law because we are only enforcing what the law currently states,” Lizada said. (PNA)