In Manila, a member of the 1-Rider Party-list, Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, has called on the Senate to expedite the approval of a bill aimed at regulating motorcycle-for-hire services. This urgency comes as the pilot program, which has legally supported approximately 60,000 motorcycle taxi operators, is scheduled to conclude with the 19th Congress on June 30, 2025. Gutierrez emphasized that failing to pass the bill could jeopardize these jobs, leaving both riders and passengers without a structured system.
He stressed the importance of establishing a legal framework that not only legitimizes but also oversees this transportation method, ensuring safety and economic advantages for the public. The House of Representatives has already passed House Bill 10424 on its third and final reading, which would permit motorcycles to operate as common carriers for passengers and goods, including parcels and mail.
Under HB 10424, motorcycles-for-hire would need to be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to confirm their roadworthiness before registration or renewal. If the bill becomes law, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would gain authority to regulate these services in areas lacking digital platforms.
Gutierrez highlighted that the proposed legislation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s objectives to enhance transportation accessibility. He argued that the Motorcycles-For-Hire Act is crucial not only for job preservation but also for advancing the nation’s transportation infrastructure to meet current and future demands. He urged the Senate to prioritize this bill to safeguard these essential jobs and support innovative solutions to urban mobility issues.
Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, has also endorsed the bill, encouraging her fellow senators to prioritize its passage. She likened the legislative process to a journey, stating that after years of effort, it’s time to move forward with the bill.