(Eagle News) — Senator Ralph Recto has filed a bill seeking to amend the Land Transportation and Traffic Code to legalize the operation of motorcycles as public utility vehicles.
Recto filed Senate Bill 2173 after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on a lower court’s decision preventing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation from interfering in the operations of motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas.
Transportation authorities had argued motorcycles cannot be used as PUVs under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which lists motorcycles as private vehicles that cannot be “used for hire under any circumstances and shall not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay,” and because of security concerns.
They said Congress should amend the law if motorcycles were to be used as PUVs.
In filing Senate Bill 2173, Recto noted the proliferation of motorcycles in the country.
He noted that 6 in 10 motor vehicles in the country were motorcycles and tricycles.
From 3.48 million registered units in 2010, he said their number, based on first half 2018 data, was projected to hit 7.5 million by the end of December in 2018.
“When there is a shortage of PUVs and a surplus of motorbikes, the entrepreneurial spirit kicks in…Kung may demand, papasok supply. And this is the reality on the ground government can no longer ignore,” he said.
Under Senate Bill 2173, a new section is added to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and the operation of “public utility motorcycles,” including safety features, is placed under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB and the DOTr.
“Una sa tingin ko, dapat may insurance ang pasahero. May speed limit. May mahigpit na regulasyon kasi ang motorsiklo ay isang special vehicle that requires a different driving skill set,” Recto said.
“I hope this bill triggers discussion on how government shall treat this growing transportation phenomenon of motorbikes ferrying passengers,” Recto added.