Angkas to defy LTFRB

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle ride-hailing application Angkas will continue its commuter transport operations despite a crackdown by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), officials said yesterday.

George Royeca, Angkas head of regulatory and public affairs, said they would continue both their parcel delivery and public transport operations as it has not been deemed illegal by any court.

“Let me reiterate that the TRO from the Supreme Court is about the injunction granted by the RTC. No decision on Angkas being legal or illegal,” he said in Filipino during a press briefing.

The Supreme Court (SC) earlier this month issued a temporary restraining order on the writ of preliminary injunction issued by a Mandaluyong City Court in August.

It effectively gave back the LTFRB its authority to apprehend Angkas riders. 

Royeca said they are ready to support its drivers in case they face fines or other penalties when they are apprehended during anti-colorum operations. 

The company official said they are ready to have a dialogue with the government, especially LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra. 

“This is not about LTFRB vs Angkas… The 25,000 riders and riding public lose,” Royeca said.

The LTFRB has already resumed its crackdown on Angkas drivers and urged the company to respect the SC decision. 

It cited the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which prohibits private vehicles from being used to transport passengers for pay. 

The LTFRB has directed its law enforcement units and other authorized traffic engorcement agencies to apprehend Angkas drivers and impound their motorcycles. 

At least three Angkas drivers have been apprehended in operations along EDSA in Makati. 

The Highway Patrol Group, however, will not take part in the LTFRB’s crackdown on Angkas.

HPG head Chief Superintendent Roberto Fajardo said they are not authorized to conduct operations on “colorum” vehicles or public utility vehicles without franchises unless the LTFRB deputizes HPG police officers.