Ride-hailing app Angkas continues services despite SC order

The motorcycle-ride sharing network Angkas continues its operations despite a Supreme Court ruling imposing a temporary restraining order on a Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court order, which in turn, stopped the authorities from apprehending its riders.

According to a report by GMA News' Saleema Refran on “24 Oras”, the Angkas believes the Supreme Court ruling did not rule on the legality of its operations as a transport network vehicle service involving motorcycles.

"Angkas continues to operate... Ang TRO po galing sa Korte Suprema ay ukol po doon sa injunction na gri-nant ng RTC. So wala pong desisyon tungkol sa Angkas na pagiging ilegal o legal sa daan,” said George Royeca, a spokesman for the firm.

Royeca said Angkas had already reached out to the LTFRB and Department of Transportation (DOTr) for a dialogue.

Angkas is calling on lawmakers to amend the Transportation and Traffic Code which prohibits the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles.

Romeo Maglunsod, one of Angkas drivers, agreed with Royeca.

"Siguro ito na 'yung panahon para 'pag isipan ng mga nasa lehislatura na baguhin na [ang batas],” Maglunsod said.

DOTR Undersecretary Mark de Leon, however, was firm that there should be no reprieve for Angkas.

"Sa ngayon, we are limited with what is written in the law. The law may be harsh but it should be implemented,” De Leon said.

Those Angkas vehicles caught plying the roads would face impoundment of the motorcycle and a P6,000 fine for first offense.

Angkas is expected to contest the TRO issued against it next week by filing a comment before the Supreme Court next week.

Based on its records, Angkas' number of motorcycle riders is at 25,000. —Llanesca T. Panti/NB, GMA News