TRANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur P. Tugade has ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to study a regulatory framework for motorcycles used in public transportation.
“It is my understanding that may Filipinos use motorcycles for public transport but do remember that it’s against the law and there is also a temporary restraining order (TRO) against their use issued by the Supreme Court,” Mr. Tugade said in a statement issued by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) on Friday.
“The law is the law, and the executive will not be the first to violate it, but the DOTr is listening to the people, and even before the Supreme Court has decided on the matter, we are creating a TWG to study the possibility of allowing motorcycles for public transport,” Mr. Tugade added.
The SC has ordered the Angkas motorcycle ride-sharing service to stop transporting passengers, after a Mandaluyong court allowed it to operate in September.
The DOTr said that the TWG will include rpepresentatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP — HPG), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Senate, the House of Representatives, commuter welfare groups, motorcycle manufacturers and organizations, as well as law schools.
According to the DoTr, the TWG will identify motorcycle types eligible to be licensed, taking into consideration factors like engine displacement, carrying capacity, operating speeds, routes, seat and helmet requirements, and training requirements for drivers, who will eventually need to obtain a public utility vehicle (PUV) registration.
The LTFRB has established a Drivers’ Academy which requires all PUV drivers to undergo training, on a per batch basis.
Mr. Tugade said that it is necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and to establish accountability in case of accidents. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

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