Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.
— Anonymous

MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — As the 19th Congress nears its conclusion, the Senate is still deliberating on the proposed measure for the legalization and regulation of motorcycle (MC) taxis nationwide.

Many groups have called for the proposal's approval, given the industry’s vital role as a lifeline for the country’s thousands of motorists and commuters and the spotlight is on the deliberations of our legislators, with highlight on passenger safety and welfare of riders prioritized in the regulatory discussions.

Based on studies, MC taxis have become an increasingly popular alternative mode of travel as it helps avoid traffic congestion while addressing gaps in public transportation. However, its growth has brought forward a heightened responsibility to ensure that safety standards are upheld and met for all—passengers and riders alike.

During recent Senate deliberations, several concerns have been revealed, including the issue of onboarded driver partners lacking the necessary professional licenses.

The concerns are also compounded by data that highlights the safety risks of motorcycle taxis as records have shown that in 2022, nearly half of the fatalities caused by road accidents in Metro Manila involved motorcycle riders.

Such data underscores the pressing need to regulate the MC taxi industry for the benefit of both passengers and riders alike and our lawmakers and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should immediately address gaps in the regulation of the MC taxi industry to ensure that only qualified drivers are allowed to ferry passengers and that ride-hailing platforms are held responsible for upholding proper labor and safety standards.

Furthermore, strict penalties should be implemented not only for riders with infractions but also for ride-hailing platforms that violate labor rules and allow unsafe practices.

The urgency of a regulatory framework for this cannot be overemphasized, especially considering the economic contributions of the transport network vehicle service sector (TNVS), of which MC taxis are a part.
Based on a 2023 study conducted by the Center for Research and Communication of the University of Asia & the Pacific, the TNVS and delivery sector contributed around ₱37 billion to ₱165.6 billion to the country’s gross domestic product from 2019 to 2021.

Thus, to ensure that the MC taxi industry continues to contribute to the economy, it is crucial that our lawmakers and the LTFRB collaborate closely and seamlessly to create a regulatory environment that empowers and ensures the welfare of all stakeholders, including passengers, riders and ride-hailing platforms.

Such a regulatory framework should safeguard passenger safety, ensure the welfare of riders and preserve the economic contributions of the MC taxi industry within the country’s broader transportation sector.
Filipino commuters—majority of whom are hardworking citizens—deserve nothing less than safe, affordable and comfortable transportation options. Our government is responsible for providing an enabling environment for this.

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