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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Rider's death during aid distribution 'heartbreaking'--Gutierrez

Rider's death during aid distribution 'heartbreaking'--Gutierrez

Published Apr 20, 2026 05:35 pm

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Majority Leader 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez can't help but feel heartbroken over the unfortunate case of a rider who passed away while queueing for his "ayuda" or cash aid in Quezon City.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


House Deputy Majority Leader 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez can't help but feel heartbroken over the unfortunate case of a rider who passed away while queueing for his "ayuda" or cash aid in Quezon City.
“My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased rider. No hardworking motorcycle taxi or delivery rider should ever risk their life just to claim government assistance," Gutierrez said in response to reporters' questions on Monday, April 20.
"This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need to modernize aid distribution and protect our riders from unnecessary physical hardship,” said the "Young Guns" bloc member.
Also on Monday, Gutierrez expressed full support for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) decision to shift to e-wallet transfers in the distribution of cash aid to motorcycle taxi and delivery riders.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced the policy shift following the validation of the list of ride-hailing drivers, and on the heels of the particular rider's death on Sunday, April 19.
1-Rider Party-list had earlier advocated for the use of e-wallet applications to deliver cash aids efficiently and safely for fuel subsidy. This proposal was actively pushed by the party-list during the series of Committee on Transportation hearings in both the previous19th Congress and current 20th Congress.
“Transitioning to e-wallet transfers will remove long, exhausting queues, minimize health and safety risks, and ensure that aid reaches motorcycle taxi and delivery riders quickly and securely directly into their accounts. This is a significant and welcome step that responds directly to the needs of our riders,” Gutierrez said.
The senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Transportation stressed that the incident highlights, now more than ever, the critical importance of passing the Motorcycle Taxi Bill.
“Legalizing and regulating motorcycle taxis will provide our riders with legitimate livelihoods, stronger protections, and safer working conditions. We thank Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III and the leadership for prioritizing this bill in the 20th Congress and we urge our counterpart in the Senate to do the same," he said.
Gutierrez underscored: "Our motorcycle taxi and delivery riders are essential to our transportation and logistics system — they deserve full recognition and support."
He also reaffirmed 1-Rider Partylist’s steadfast commitment to advancing the rights, welfare, and safety of all motorcycle riders and delivery workers across the country.

Related Tags

DSWD AYUDA Rider Rodge Gutierrez 1-Rider Party-list
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