The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — A motorcycle taxi riders’ group urged Congress to pass the long-delayed Motorcycle Taxi Bill, calling for a framework that would grant franchises directly to riders rather than to digital platforms. In a statement, the Motorcycle Taxi Community said the measure should recognize riders as independent transport service providers and align regulations with the realities of gig work. The group maintained that riders, not platforms, deliver the actual service and should therefore hold the franchise tied to their registered motorcycles. Romeo Maglunsod, the group’s chairman, said the current platform-based slot system is outdated and failed to reflect how the sector operates. He argued that similar to jeepney and tricycle operators, motorcycle taxi riders should have transport rights attached to them and their units. “The franchise should be given to the individual rider and their motorcycle — not to the platforms. Riders are the actual providers of the transport service,” Maglunsod said. The group also pressed for greater flexibility, saying riders should be free to choose which platform to use and when to operate, a setup it described as central to gig-based livelihoods. “As freelancers, we deserve respect, freedom, and protection as Filipino workers,” Maglunsod said. The group challenged motorcycle taxi companies to improve rider support systems, including insurance coverage, provide fair incentives, and stronger demand-generation mechanisms. It said riders should be treated not only as partners but also as customers of the platforms they use. “Every day, riders endure heat, rain, and traffic to serve passengers. It is only right that platforms provide us with the best possible systems that protect our welfare,” Maglunsod said. The Motorcycle Taxi Community warned that continued delays in passing the bill will prolong uncertainty for thousands of riders grappling with rising costs and unstable incomes. “Every day of delay is another day of uncertainty for our livelihood. Government must prioritize people’s livelihoods,” he said. While expressing willingness to comply with reasonable regulations, the group cautioned against excessive rules that could restrict earning opportunities or reduce service availability for commuters. “We understand the need to protect every sector in transport, but policies must also consider the welfare of workers and the convenience of passengers,” Maglunsod said. The group said it remained hopeful that lawmakers would enact a measure that provides riders with clear rights, security, and recognition as part of the country’s public transport system.
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