Senate eyes passage of motorcycle-for-hire bill

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is aiming to pass a motorcycle-for-hire bill before the end of the 19th Congress, to finally put in place a law that would ensure the safety of passengers who ride two-wheeled vehicles to beat the traffic.

Sen. Grace Poe said the bill is long overdue years since the Department of Transportation did a pilot study on the viability and safety of motorcycle ride-hailing services.

The bill is now pending before the Senate public services committee, previously chaired by Poe and now under Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Poe said the bill can be sponsored on the floor before the break in February and passed on final reading before Congress adjourns in June.

The bill requires riders to seek permits to operate from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and compel operators to train their riders in traffic laws and road safety.

Poe said the proposed law may also address safety concerns for passengers resorting to “habal-habal,” or private and unregulated motorcycle rides.

During a Jan. 14 Senate public services hearing, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III warned that motorcycle taxi drivers would become illegal without a law, as their legal existence relies on the pilot study approved by Congress pending a piece of legislation.