In Manila, a party-list representative has made a pressing appeal to the Senate to expedite the approval of a bill aimed at regulating motorcycles-for-hire. This urgency stems from the impending conclusion of a pilot program that has been providing legal protection for approximately 60,000 motorcycle taxi operators. The pilot, set to end with the 19th Congress on June 30, 2025, has been a lifeline for these workers.
Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of the 1-Rider Party-list emphasized that without the bill’s passage, the livelihoods of these riders would be at risk, and commuters would be left without a structured system. He stressed the importance of not only legalizing but also regulating this transportation method to ensure safety and economic advantages for the public.
The House of Representatives has already passed House Bill 10424 on its final reading, which would permit motorcycles to operate as common carriers for passengers and goods, including parcels and mail. The bill also requires motorcycles-for-hire to be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to verify their roadworthiness.
If the bill becomes law, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would gain authority to oversee the operations of motorcycles-for-hire in areas lacking digital platforms. Gutierrez highlighted that this aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for enhanced transportation accessibility.
He further 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 legislation 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 journey to a long road trip, now ready to move forward with full momentum.