UNIFIED motorcycle riders and other transport groups oppose the Marcos Jr. administration’s plan to introduce new players into the motorcycle MC taxi industry.
The Malacañang allegedly plans to allow seven new MC taxi companies to enter the market- a move that will increase competition, especially for tricycle drivers.
“We are not against any government agency or official, but we are fighting for our rights, especially for our livelihoods, particularly for TODA and taxi drivers who are losing passengers,” said Ariel Lim, President, National Public Transport Coalition.
“In our tricycle sector, we might lose passengers in the future. Through that app, their group can quickly get passengers,” also said Alfredo Severa, tricycle group in San Juan.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is now pushing for the immediate passage of laws to legalize motorcycle taxis.
In fact, the President met with Grab representatives, who were recently removed from the Motorcycle Taxi pilot program.
However, the group believes that Marcos Jr. favors private companies over ordinary drivers who voted for him in the elections.
“We are just fighting for our rights because we need food on the table,” Lim stated.
The government is urged to adhere to the agreement not to allow new MC players until the MC pilot program is completed.
And the results of the study should be released before opening the market to new companies.
Three companies are currently allowed to participate in the MC Taxi pilot study, including Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It, while Grab was removed due to alleged violations.
The group clarifies that they are not against motorcycle taxis, but they hope that they will not be further saturated.
“Don’t the associates of BBM realize that with all the problems they have in politics, they want to add to those who are angry with them? Should they wait until the transportation sector is utilized? Isn’t it better that Grab is still being negotiated, while we haven’t been contacted yet? Our grievances are varied. We hope they wake up now because we are not joking. We mean business; we need livelihood. Food on the table, that’s what we are fighting for,” Lim added.
Transport groups will file a case in court to stop the impending approval of additional MC players.
