DOTr, LTFRB to fight court order allowing Angkas to resume ops
MANILA, Philippines — Transport authorities on Friday expressed their opposition to a court order allowing app-based motorcycle taxi service Angkas to operate for now, and vowed to "exhaust all legal remedies" to overturn the directive.
In a court order dated August 20, the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court Branch 213 said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Department of Transportation and its agencies are barred from interfering with Angkas’ operations pending the hearing for its main petition of declaratory relief.
The court order also prohibited the apprehension of Angkas bikers when they are in “lawful pursuit of their work.”
In a joint statement, the DOTr and LTFRB said they were “saddened” by the court’s directive, adding that they were being faithful to their mandate when they ordered Angkas to cease operations.
Angkas shut down its operations in November last year after the LTFRB and the Makati City government shuttered its main training center.
The LTFRB has thumbed down talks with Angkas, saying that the company should talk to Congress if they want to be granted authority to operate as a public utility vehicle under the Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
“Our position is that motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress,” the DOTr and LTFRB said.
“Apart from engaging in unfair business practice, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered as a safe mode of public transport,” they added.
“Safety is our priority. Following our laws is our priority. Obviously, Angkas is just interested in making profit, and profit, alone.”
In a Twitter post Thursday, Angkas welcomed the court order.
“Guys, we’re a little shookt. Please give us time to adjust, alam namin excited kayo. Konting patience muna, mga mumsh. We’ll try to get more bikers to serve you all! #AngkasIsBack,” the company said. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral with reports from The STAR
- Latest
- Trending
