LTFRB-7 to consult main office on Osmeña’s plan for Angkas

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 said it will refer to its head office Cebu City government’s plan to tap the services of motorcycle-ride — hailing app Angkas, which have been ordered discontinued by the same agency recently.

“This is a novel idea which has no precedence as of yet. As such, I will probably have to seek the guidance of my central office on the matter,” LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon told The FREEMAN yesterday.

Cuizon earlier said Angkas has no authority to operate as a transport network company and that its members are only pretending to be transport network vehicle operators.

“Just like any other business that needs government authorization to operate, Angkas must first be authorized as a legal entity before it can undertake legitimate operations,” he said.

Cuizon also said Angkas drivers or habal-habal drivers may be allowed to use their motorcycles for mail deliveries and other parcel deliveries but not to ferry passengers for a fee.

The LTFRB has earlier issued an order for the closure of Angkas operations nationwide.

But Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, citing public clamor, is proposing to hire its services. He said the app was particularly a help to call center agents and students.

The mayor raised the idea of hiring Angkas drivers who lost their livelihood due to the LTFRB order, and let these drivers ferry commuters at no fee with the city shouldering the payment for their services.

The FREEMAN tried to get reactions from LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III and Land Transportation Office-7 Alita Pulga regarding Osmeña’s plan but they were not available as of this writing.

The LTFRB, for its part, is currently trying to work with the Department of Labor and Employment to come up with alternative livelihoods for Angkas and habal-habal motorcycle operators.

This is already being started in Manila. Cuizon said it will only be a matter of time before this project will be cascaded down to the regions. (FREEMAN)