If the recent public utility jeepney (PUJ) strike showed anything, it's that having alternative transportation like motorcycle taxis can be a lifesaver for Filipino commuters.

According to Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Margarita "Migs" Nograles, the nationwide transport strike should serve as an eye-opener for Congress to urgently consider the enactment of a law regulating motorcycle-for-hire services to prevent the proliferation of unauthorized and colorum motorcycle taxis.

“We are thankful that the presence of our motorcycle taxis like  Angkas and Joyride mitigated the effect of the nationwide transport strike. Thousands of commuters were still able to get a ride using these motorcycle taxis," said Nograles.

"Clearly, the transport strike has shown us that while motorcycle taxis can be very convenient, they can be also very dangerous if not properly regulated,” noted the assistant majority leader.

Nograles, who is a member of the House Committee on Transportation, said that the proposed motorcycle-for-hire law was passed by the House during the 18th Congress but the Senate did not have enough time to move for its approval. 

Multiple motorcycle-for-hire bills have been filed in the House in the present congress such as House Bill (HB) No.7034 otherwise known as Motorcycles-For-Hire Act. It has yet to pass scrutiny by the transportation panel Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop.

The lady solon said that since it is obvious that motorcycle taxis and other motorcycle-for-hire services have become part of the day-to-day lives of tens of thousands of Filipinos, the government might as well take steps to ensure the welfare and safety of the drivers and the riding public.

“Truth be told, motorcycle-for -hire is Filipino as Filipino can get, when it comes to culture. That’s why we should fast track consideration of this Bill for the Filipino nation,“ she said.

“Their services have been a part of our day-to-day lives long before companies like Angkas and Joyride started their operation. In Mindanao, we have these habal-habals and the so-called Skylab as our primary transportation. It is about time that we should really regulate their operation,” Nograles added.

She also noted that motorcycle taxis and motorcycle delivery services have become one of the biggest job-generating industries in the country, and that the enactment of a law regulating their operation would protect them from whimsical policy changes, crackdowns, and even extortion.