Angkas resumes providing services

On their Twitter, Angkas shared in the words of millennials and gay lingo users, “Guys, we’re a little shookt (shocked). Please give us time to adjust, alam namin excited kayo (We all know you are excited). Konting patience muna, mga mumsh (Just a bit of patience, everyone), we’ll try to get more bikers to serve you all! #AngkasIsBack.” (Photo: Angkas/Facebook)

Angkas, the phone-app hailing motorcycle rides, is back in operation after ten months of suspension for those in search of transportation as the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) provided a preliminary injunction contradicting the government’s order against the company.

On their Twitter, Angkas shared in the words of millennials and gay lingo users, “Guys, we’re a little shookt (shocked). Please give us time to adjust, alam namin excited kayo (We all know you are excited). Konting patience muna, mga mumsh (Just a bit of patience, everyone), we’ll try to get more bikers to serve you all! #AngkasIsBack.”

With more than half a million users, Angkas head of operations David Medrana was happy to share, “We are thankful for the court order and will continue to work with the government agencies to push for policies that will provide dignity and livelihood opportunities to millions of Filipino families who depend on motorbikes as their source of income.”

Initially, the app was prohibited from operating by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in November of last year because they lacked a business permit. Now, the LTFRB is speaking out about their dismay on Mandaluyong’s decision over the matter.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTFRB said in a statement that, “Our position is that motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress.”

The said act, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, prohibits motorcycles to pursue ‘unsafe’ rides “for profit.”

“If Angkas is to continue accrediting motorcycles registered as private vehicles to book rides and accept passengers for a fee, it is considered as without authority from the government regulators and, therefore, are considered colorum vehicles,” the statement read.

DOTR and LTFRB concluded, “Safety is our priority. Following our laws is our priority. Obviously, Angkas is just interested in making profit, and profit, alone.”