Motorcycle taxi riders seeking a pathway to legal recognition for those operating beyond government-authorized caps brought their appeal directly to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday, calling for a fair solution that protects livelihoods while upholding transport regulations and passenger safety.
The riders, joined by representatives of the Motorcycle Taxi Rider Association (METRO) and motorcycle rights advocates, appealed to the Marcos administration and transport authorities to consider the circumstances of riders who may have been onboarded without knowing their platforms had exceeded their authorized allocations.
METRO Lead Convener Jayson Luna reiterated that affected riders are not asking for exemptions from government regulations, but an opportunity to comply with the requirements necessary to continue earning a living legally.
“Hindi kami humihingi ng espesyal na pagtrato o exemption sa batas. Ang hinihiling lang namin ay mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataong maging legal ang mga rider na handang sumunod sa requirements ng gobyerno. Kabuhayan at kinabukasan ng maraming pamilya ang nakasalalay dito,” Luna said.
The group emphasized that any pathway toward legal recognition should include proper verification, documentation, training, and safety assessments, ensuring that passenger safety and regulatory standards are maintained.
Responding to the riders’ appeal, LTFRB Executive Director JP Victa acknowledged their concerns and expressed the agency’s willingness to explore possible ways to assist affected riders.
“Naririnig namin ang panawagan ng ating mga motorcycle taxi riders. Nauunawaan namin ang kanilang pangamba para sa kanilang kabuhayan at sa kanilang mga pamilya. Makakaasa kayo na pakikinggan namin ang inyong mga hinaing at titingnan kung paano kayo matutulungan, alinsunod sa mga umiiral na batas at regulasyon,” Victa said.
Luna thanked the LTFRB for acknowledging the riders’ concerns, expressing hope that the dialogue would lead to concrete steps toward a fair and lawful resolution.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa LTFRB sa pakikinig sa aming panawagan. Malaking bagay na marinig ng mga rider na handang tumulong ang gobyerno. Umaasa kami na ito ang simula ng isang malinaw na proseso para mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga rider na maging legal at patuloy na makapaghanapbuhay nang ligtas at naaayon sa batas,” Luna said.
METRO maintained that platform accountability and rider protection must be addressed together, stressing that ordinary riders should not automatically bear the consequences of decisions made by platform operators.
kThe group expressed hope that Friday’s engagement would pave the way for further discussions with transport authorities on practical, legally compliant solutions for affected motorcycle taxi riders.
