House panel approves bill regulating operation of motorcycle-for-hire
THE HOUSE of Representatives’ transport committee approved Wednesday a measure that would allow and regulate the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles.
In a hearing, the panel approved an unnumbered substitute bill and committee report known as the proposed Motorcycles-for-Hire Regulation Act.
The bill, if signed into law, will amend Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which prohibits the use of two-wheeled vehicles as public transport.
It would also require the Department of Trade and Industry and the Land Transportation Office to recommend the specifications of motorcycles which can be used as common carrier.
Riders and operators in areas that have existing ride-hailing companies will be required to use digital platforms to prevent colorum operations.
Ride-hailing operators, formally called transportation network companies (TNCs), will also be mandated to have quick medical response teams.
“The perennial traffic problem in Metro Manila and other urban centers make motorcycles-for-hire a viable mode of transportation,” said Navotas Rep. John Reynald M. Tiangco, vice chair of the House transportation committee.
The measure was previously approved by the House on third and final reading in the 17th Congress, but was not tackled by the Senate.
In the current 18th Congress, the Senate approved a counterpart bill at the committee level on Feb. 12, 2020 and is pending approval on second reading. — Russell Louis C. Ku
