EDITORIAL - Angkas’ fate in limbo

The Supreme Court’s decision stopping the operation of motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas has received mixed reactions from various sectors. While many hailed the ruling as a major victory for public safety, others criticized it as anti-poor.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) lauded the Supreme Court’s move to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Angkas. “We thank the high court for issuing the TRO, as it is in line with our efforts to prioritize the safety and security of the riding public through proper implementation of the law,” DOTr Communications Director Goddes Libiran was quoted as saying by a news website.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has moved to arrest Angkas drivers and operators following the decision of the second division of the high court that stopped a lower court ruling allowing Angkas to operate in the country temporarily.

“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 LTFRB and the transportation department said in a joint statement.

For Angkas, the TRO only puts the fate of 25,000 bikers and their partners in limbo. But it vowed to continue fighting for the legalization of its operations, hoping that it will finally get a favorable decision from the Supreme Court.

Well, the high court has ruled and Angkas and all its stakeholders are duty-bound to follow. Any operation by any of its members from now on is illegal on the strength of the TRO unless the Supreme Court changes its tune.

We can only expect a prolonged battle now that the Supreme Court has temporarily kept Angkas off the streets. Of course, Angkas is expected to appeal. As to whether it can pull off an upset and hit the streets again remains to be seen.