The Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines, a group of motorcycle taxi riders across the Philippines, is urging Senate Committee on Public Services Chairman, Senator Raffy Tulfo, to prioritize and accelerate the legalization of motorcycle taxis nationwide.

The group emphasizes that the protracted pilot program, now in its fifth year, is a readily achievable solution that could enhance urban mobility and provide greater economic opportunities.

“Naniniwala kami na si Sen. Raffy Tulfo, isang tunay na kakampi at kaakibat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino, ay ang panibagong pag-asa ng bawat rider at pasahero upang opisyal nang makilala ang transport service na ito sa ating saligang batas. (We believe Sen. Raffy Tulfo, a true ally and supporter of the Filipino worker, is the new hope of each rider and passenger to officially recognize and legazlie this new form of transport service.),” Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines Chairman, Romeo Maglunsod said.

Motorcycle taxis have been operating under a pilot program launched in 2019, involving companies such as Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It, with a combined 45,000 riders in Metro Manila. The program aims to evaluate the viability and safety of motorcycles-for-hire as a public transportation option.

According to Maglunsod, enacting the MC taxi law would significantly boost commuters' confidence in using motorcycle taxis as a dependable, affordable, and safe mode of transportation.

He added that for commuters, motorcycle taxis provide a practical solution to urban traffic woes. Their ability to navigate congested streets reduces travel times, offering a reliable mode of transportation in densely populated areas.

"Ang MC Taxi Law ang magtatakda ng mga panibagong pamantayan para sa proteksyon ng kabuhayan at kalagayan ng bawat rider, gaya ng standardized na mga benipisyo at mga training programs ng mga platforms. Para sa mga komyuter, mas mapagiibayo pa ang pagpapaganda ng mga moto-taxi service platforms. (The MC Taxi Law will set new standards and protections for the livelihood and welfare of each rider, like standardizewd benefits and training programs required of each platform. For commuters, this will serve to improve the services for their benefit.),” With proper regulation in place, it would also ensure consistent safety standards, fair practices, and improved services.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed support for legalizing motorcycle taxis, highlighting the need to expand transport options for commuters, drivers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

House Speaker Martin Romualdez identified House Bill No. 3412, which seeks to legalize motorcycle taxis and reform transportation network vehicle service regulations, as a “priority measure.”

Senator Grace Poe has also emphasized that a well-regulated framework would provide commuters with more transportation options and promote healthy competition among service providers.

However, despite this widespread support, the legislation remains pending. Maglunsod expressed concern that the continued impasse in the law’s passage could hinder the industry's progress and its potential to contribute to economic growth by providing livelihood opportunities.

“Sen. Idol Raffy Tulfo, kayo po ang aming pag-asa sa pagkamit ng aming pangarap na opisyal na kaming kilalanin ng ating batas. Matagal na kaming bahagi ng pang-araw-araw na buhay ng maraming Pilipino. Panahon na para bigyan ng malinaw na regulasyon upang mas mapaigi pa natin ang antas ng serbisyo ng lahat ng platforms. (Sen. Raffy Tulfo, you are our hope to achieve this dream to formally recognize motorcycles as public transport into law. We've long been an essential part of Filipinos' lives, it's time to form clear regulations to further improve theses services on these platforms.),” Maglunsod said.