MANILA, Philippines — Administration lawmakers are calling on the national and local governments to regulate the grant of licenses to motorcycles for hire.
Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap co-authored House Bill 4470, which seeks to regulate the operation of motorcycle taxis, including habal-habal rides.
Duterte and Yap urged their colleagues to support the bill.
Duterte said the measure aims to ensure that these vehicles, as an alternative mode of public transport, remain roadworthy and safe in transporting passengers.
He cited reports of unregistered motorcycle taxis, which make passengers vulnerable to road accidents.
“Motorcycle taxis have become a sustainable option for commuters, riders and other road users,” Yap said.
Other authors of the bill are Representatives Jeffrey Soriano and Edvic Yap of ACT-CIS party-list.
The measure aims to create an oversight body that will regulate motorcycles for hire.
Under the bill, motorcycle taxis must be registered with the Land Transportation Office to ensure their roadworthiness.