IATF considering private motorcycle back ride, but not bike-hailing firms sans franchise – Palace

June 22, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is considering the lifting of the ban for private motorcycle back riding, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said for bike-hailing companies, such as Angkas, they could not operate because they lack the franchise.

"The IATF is studying if back riding in private motorcycles will be allowed subject to health and safety protocols," he said in a virtual press briefing.

"The reason why there's no Angkas or other taxi service is because they don't have the franchise," Roque said.

He said these companies should ask first for a congressional franchise as the pilot testing for this kind of public transport has expired already.

But he noted that the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation would consult with the Department of Transportation if the bike-hailing services could be allowed on a provisional basis while the franchise petitions were yet to be heard.

"But as of now, they are not allowed (to operate) because they don't have the franchise," he added.

Angkas even came out with a design on how to ensure that social distancing and other health protocols could be observed once they are allowed to operate again. Celerina Monte/DMS