Osmeña defends Angkas before transport execs

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, for several instances in the past, has been vocal about his position to support Angkas, an online motorcycle ride app that transport officials have declared illegal.

Osmeña once again outlined the benefits of the app for Cebuanos, except this time he did so in front of officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Manila.

At a public hearing on Angkas’ hailing services last Tuesday, the mayor said motorcycle transport, locally known as “habal-habal” and such as the one provided by Angkas, helps ease Cebu City traffic since the riders don’t need terminals.

“What we are trying to do in Cebu is to regulate it, precisely to minimize the abuses. Under Angkas there would be less accidents because [the drivers] are trained,” he said.

Also, abuses are reduced since the identity of the driver is known and there are fixed prices on the rides, he said.

“Don’t forget that Angkas provides a service. This is not only question of the livelihood of the drivers. They provide a service and people complain to me, ‘Mayor, don’t stop Angkas because I won’t be able to work on time. I won’t be able to go to school on time,’” he said.

He added his stand is not necessarily for Angkas, but for the people who benefit from Angkas.

“I believe the law should serve the people. What you’re (LTFRB) saying [is] the people should serve the law,” he said.

He also said the LTFRB is “making a fool” out of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We have an obligation to the people. What is happening today is not tolerable. Because you know what the message is? You’re making a fool out of the President. Because the President keeps proposing federalism. Is this federalism? You won’t allow the local government to have its own solution? You’re going to dictate to us what to do?” he said.

“The [traffic] problem in Cebu is also part of the deficiency of the LTFRB and the LTO (Land Transportation Office). I have to hire 400 traffic enforcers because you (LTFRB and LTO) can’t. Now, am I supposed to eliminate all of the habal-habal drivers as well?” he added.

But the LTFRB on Tuesday turned down the appeal of motorcycle-for-hire application Angkas to resume operations, saying the legalization of motorcycle-hailing service depends on Congress.

“It is an issue that the Congress has to address as the law says a two-wheeled vehicle is not safe for public transportation. Nevertheless, we at the LTFRB are doing our best to uphold your interest,” LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra said.

LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said that since national officials and the chairman of the Congressional Committee on Transportation were present when Osmeña spoke at the dialogue, “I presume that they will soon come up with a decision regarding Angkas.”

As a regional implementing office, Cuizon said LTFRB-7 will wait for directives and instructions from their central office so they can enforce the same in their level.

“We are in no position to make an individual stand on the subject since we are simply bound to abide by the decisions of our superiors in Manila,” Cuizon said.

Angkas voluntarily shut down last November 18 after it was ordered closed for operating without a business permit. — with Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (FREEMAN)