Senator Grace Poe welcomed on Friday the government's decision to again allow the operations of motorcycle taxis.
"The resumption of motorcycle taxi operations will augment public transport and ease the daily hardship of commuters, especially workers trying to make a living amid the pandemic," Poe said in a statement.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue the guidelines on the resumption of the pilot study of motorcycle taxi operations.
Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee, said safety should remain as the government's primordial concern in allowing motorcycle taxis back to the streets.
She said the guidelines "must be clear-cut and strictly adhere to health and safety protocols to ensure that riders are protected during the entire trip", including the regular disinfection and wearing of face mask.
She also proposed the use of one’s own helmet as an added measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Poe said the continuation of the pilot run should also be used as an opportunity to assess the need for motorcycle taxis and help Congress craft a law to make their operation legal.
Several bills have been filed in Congress seeking to legalize motorcycle taxi as an alternative mode of transportation.