RIDE-HAILING service Angkas cannot operate as a transportation service because Philippine law prohibits motorcycles from being used to transport passengers for a fee, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

Angkas logo

The LTFRB made the statement on Saturday following last week’s crackdown on Angkas led by the agency, wherein 19 Angkas riders were apprehended. The city government of Makati also ordered the closing of the company office, which was allegedly operating without a permit.

Angkas, meanwhile, has asked Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade to amend a department order on ride-sharing services, also called transport network companies (TNCs), in order to allow two-wheeled vehicles to be included in the TNVS classification.

“Doing so will firmly put Angkas and all motorcycle-taxis officially under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB,” Angkas said in a statement.

The LTFRB, however, asserted that under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, private motorcycles are not allowed to transport passengers.

Under the law, motor vehicles should be registered under one of the following classifications: private passenger automobiles; private trucks; and private motorcycles, scooters, or motor wheel attachments. Motor vehicles registered under these categories “shall not be used for hire under any circumstances” and should not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for a fee.

Angkas operates via an application, similar to Grab (MyTaxi.PH, Inc.) and Uber (Uber Systems, Inc.) but uses motorcycles to take passengers to destinations. Commuters have been using Angkas as an alternative to the ride-sharing services as motorbikes can usually get to destinations faster amid urban traffic.

LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada also said in a text message to BusinessWorld that Angkas “has a lot of explaining to do” regarding their company registration papers. — Patricia Paola C. Marcelo

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