Palace says Congress may pass resolution in absence of law yet for motorcycle taxis

October 14, 2020

Malacanang said on Wednesday that in the absence of a franchise, Congress may pass a resolution that allows motorcycle taxis to operate to increase the number of public vehicles servicing the people.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told state-run PTV4 that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has recommended to Congress to renew the pilot study being conducted on Angkas and other similar businesses.

"They cannot operate without the franchise but if Congress will agree through a resolution the continuation of the pilot study prior to the approval of the franchise, then they (motorcycle taxis) can be allowed," he said.

But still, he said the best option is for Congress to grant a franchise.

"The best solution, of course, is for Congress to pass the franchise as law already but we leave that to the sound judgment of Congress," Roque added.

Even prior to the lockdown in March due to coronavirus pandemic, the back-riding services, such as Angkas, were stopped due to the expiration of the permit to continue with the pilot test and absence of a franchise from Congress. Celerina Monte/DMS