The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle taxi riders urged the government to prioritize livelihood protection in regulating the industry and called for the immediate passage of a motorcycle taxi law. In a statement, Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines Chairman Romeo Maglunsod said any policy governing the sector must ensure that riders can earn sustainably while maintaining dignity in their work. The group welcomed the government’s P5,000 fuel subsidy, describing it as a meaningful relief as rising fuel prices continue to cut into riders’ earnings. “We are grateful for the assistance extended by the government to riders during the fuel crisis. For many riders, almost half of their daily income is already spent on fuel, and the P5,000 assistance is a big help,” Maglunsod said. However, he stressed that financial aid is only a temporary solution, adding that long-term protection should come from stable and humane livelihood policies. “At this time of crisis, no rider’s family should go hungry or suffer because of the lack of humane and stable livelihood,” he said. The group said the passage of a motorcycle taxi bill has become urgent, noting that the government’s pilot program has been in place for nearly a decade. Maglunsod said the proposed law should recognize motorcycle taxis as part of the gig economy and uphold the rights of gig workers, including flexibility and independence. “What riders want is to remain the boss of their own livelihood,” he said, citing the need for riders to freely choose platforms, access incentives, and manage their working hours. The group also proposed that franchises or accreditation be granted directly to individual riders, similar to transport network vehicle service drivers, instead of being held by platforms. Under such an arrangement, riders would have greater control over their operations, while platforms would serve mainly as tools to connect them with passengers and provide support services, Maglunsod said. “The rider should hold the power to decide how to earn a living. Platforms should be instruments that support riders, not structures that limit their freedom,” he added. The group also pointed to the public service role of motorcycle taxi riders, saying they help commuters reach workplaces, schools, hospitals, and other essential destinations. “Our call is clear: protect rider livelihoods, protect our freedom as gig workers, and pass the motorcycle taxi bill in a way that is fair, just, and humane,” Maglunsod said.
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