SC order puts livelihood of drivers at risk, Angkas laments
MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas lamented the move of the Supreme Court that would allow the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to apprehend its drivers anew.
The high court’s Second Division on December 5 issued a temporary restraining order against an earlier ruling of a Mandaluyong City court, which gave the greenlight for Angkas to operate in the country temporarily. The resolution was only released on Wednesday.
It's better to give than to receive! Kung may TRO kami, kayo din meron. Hihi. Two Rides Only.
— Angkas (@angkas) December 12, 2018
PROMO CODE: AngkasTRO
- TRO = Two Rides Only
- P99 off, 2 rides
- 5000 redemptions pic.twitter.com/PVFBqlzhRt
“This comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of commuters need the Angkas service to beat the worsening holiday traffic,” David Medrana, Angkas head of operations, said in a statement.
Medrana added: “This TRO also puts the livelihood of 25,000 biker-partners at risk—a few days before Christmas, when families need it the most.”
The head of the ride-hailing app, moreover, vowed to continue its fight to serve commuters safely and efficiently and legitimize its riders in Metro Manila.
“We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will eventually rule in favor of the Filipino riding public,” Medrana said.
Angkas ceased it operations in November last year after the LTFRB and the Makati City government shut down its main training center.
DOTr, LTFRB welcome TRO
The Department of Transportation and the LTFRB expressed their gratitude to the Supreme Court, saying the TRO is in line with transport officials efforts to prioritize the safety and security of commuters.
“Our position remains the same—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 two agencies said.
The LTFRB will soon release a resolution ordering enforcers to implement the high court’s order and for Angkas operators and bikers to cease and desist.
“Apprehension of ‘Angkas’ bikers will commence upon issuance of the LTFRB resolution within the day,” LTFRB said.
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