Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo has urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to allow Angkas to continue its operation for the sake of public interest.
The Supreme Court recently issued a temporary restraining order against a Mandaluyong Court decision that banned authorities from apprehending drivers operating under motorcycle-hailing firm, Angkas.
A mere DO can suffice to lessen the suffering of the commuting public.
“There are pending bills filed in Congress that would legalize motorcycles for hire, like Angkas. But, this would take a lot of time because of the long legislative process,” Castelo said.
“There are other ways to legalize it and expedite its operations specially now that we are suffering from traffic congestion aggravated due to the holidays,” he added.
According to Castelo, the DOTr can issue a Department Order to allow Angkas to continue its operations in the same manner that Transportation Network Companies (TNC) or Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) like Grab were allowed to do so.
If they cannot provide efficient and reliable mass transportation system as they are mandated to do, they should at least be creative.
“A mere DO can suffice to lessen the suffering of the commuting public,” he said.
“DOTr should realize this. If they cannot provide efficient and reliable mass transportation system as they are mandated to do, they should at least be creative and use modern technology,” he added.
Castelo also cautioned the DOTr not to technical and legalistic on the issue as it affects millions of commuters. especially during the Christmas holiday season.
“We should not be technical and legalistic on this while millions of Filipinos are suffering from traffic and losing P2 billion in lost opportunities,” said Castelo.
“DOTr can give its best Christmas gift to the suffering public by withdrawing its petition to the Supreme Court against Angkas,” he added.
