Solon proposes motor taxis legalization, regulation

FILE: A motorcycle taxi rider crosses the intersection of Kamuning Road and Timog Avenue in Quezon City on Monday (Nov. 23, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua has filed a bill seeking to legalize and regulate the operation of motorcycles-for-hire, which is proven to be affordable, reliable, safe and convenient for daily commuters.

The lawmaker authored the measure to address the growing need for more alternative transport options and, at the same time, create more job opportunities for many Filipinos.

“Lack of mobility and traffic congestion remain to be a significant hurdle to economic growth and individual well-being in the country. Due to inadequate public transport options, many Filipinos turn to private vehicles, but one transport solution that has proven to be reliable, safe, convenient, and affordable is motorcycle taxis,” Chua said.

The solon cited as an example the situation being experienced by his constituents in Manila where he actually saw working people relying on motorcycle taxis. He said even his own office staffs are in fact using the same transportation service everyday.

House Bill (HB) No. 7034 or the “Motorcycles-for-Hire Act”, intends to allow the regulated operation of motorcycles-for-hire to provide the riding public with an alternative mode of transportation that is sufficient, safe, secure and economical, but must be standardized to ensure that the interest of the general public is protected.

In filing the bill, Chua explained that the motorcycle-for-hire services will help the government fill a transportation gap. He said it could efficiently transport passengers from point to point, and create job opportunities for bikers so they can earn a living wage for their families by giving them the proper tools, like safety training, and help them to become productive members of society.

The solon added that the government recognizes the importance of transportation in economic development and the recent innovations in technology has opened an opportunity for alternative modes of public conveyance, such as motorcycles-for-hire, to thrive as a reliable and accessible mode of transportation.

But despite its promise of convenience and fast service, it must be regulated to ensure that the interest of the general public, commuters in particular, must be protected, Chua said.

He pointed out that while private vehicles dominate road share, motorcycles are, in fact, the most widely used vehicle by Filipinos, adding that according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), there are an estimated 18 million motorcycles plying the roads in the country.

The lawmaker explained further that the regulation of motorcycles-for-hire as an alternative transport option stands to benefit both the commuting public by addressing mobility issues and the Filipino families who now have an opportunity to unlock a new income stream and uplift their lives.

Motorcycles-for-hire, particularly motorcycle taxis, have the added benefit of providing meaningful livelihoods to the relatively unskilled sectors of the workforce. As drivers only need to drive well and safely, many who would otherwise be under or unemployed elsewhere are able to earn a sufficient living wage by offering their transportation services through Motorcycle Taxi Platform Providers, Chua said.

He also said that the current minimum wage rate in Metro Manila is approximately P500 a day; a biker has the capacity to earn up to P1,500 per day.

“The potential impact of a motorcycle-for-hire law cannot be overstated,” Chua said.