Court junks Angkas plea for new TRO

MANILA, Philippines — A Mandaluyong City court has denied the petition of ride-hailing firm Angkas for another temporary restraining order (TRO) on the implementation of a government-imposed limit on the number of riders in the ongoing motorcycle taxi pilot run.

In a four-page decision date Jan. 10, Regional Trial Court Branch 212 Judge Rizalina Capco-Umali dismissed the petition lodged by Angkas against the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for lack of merit.

Umali said the TRO would have the same action being sought in the main case of the injunction, which is to enjoin the government from implementing its rules.

“Since the petitioner’s application for issuance of injunctive writ involves prayer to enjoin the enforcement of Section 10 of Revised General Guidelines for the Pilot Implementation of Motorcycle Taxis, which is also the same action being sought in the main case of injunction, the court is mindful that as much as possible avoid issuing writ which would effectively dispose of the main case without trial and/or due process,” the order read.

Under Section 10 of the Revised General Guidelines for the Pilot Implementation of Motorcycle Taxis, a total of 30,000 riders for Metro Manila and 9,000 riders for Metro Cebu shall form part of the pilot implementation of motorcycle taxis.

The number of riders will be divided evenly among the qualified ride-hailing providers, namely Angkas, Joy Ride and Move-It.

The court likewise ruled that the DOTr and LTFRB have the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties.

On Jan. 6, Mandaluyong RTC Vice Executive Judge Ofelia Calo granted the issuance of a 72-hour TRO in favor of Angkas. After the writ of preliminary injunction lapsed, Angkas’ petition was re-raffled to Branch 212.

On Jan. 9, Angkas obtained a 20-day TRO on the government’s implementation of the limit on the government’s cap limit on riders.