LTFRB orders Angkas to explain alleged rider cap violation

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order on Angkas, operated by DBDOYC Inc., for allegedly breaching the government-mandated rider cap for motorcycle taxis.

In the order, LTFRB Chairperson and Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working  Group (MC Taxi TWG) head Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III directed Angkas to respond within five days, explaining why it should not be suspended or removed from the ongoing motorcycle taxi pilot study due to the alleged violation.

The company was also summoned to appear before the technical working group on Wednesday, December 18, at 3 p.m.

Alleged violation

The LTFRB cited Angkas’ public statements, which it claims suggest a violation of the rider cap.

Specifically, the agency pointed to Angkas'  announcement of signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Social  Security System (SSS) to provide social protection to 50,000 partner bikers.

This reportedly exceeds the current cap of 45,000 motorcycles allowed in Metro Manila.

“In public pronouncements, Angkas stated it has 30,000 partner bikers. However, in August, the company announced signing a MOA with the SSS to cover approximately 50,000  Angkas partner bikers,” the LTFRB said.

For his part, Angkas chief executive officer George Royeca acknowledged receipt of the order.

“This may have stemmed from the recent Senate hearing, during which it was alleged that Move It admitted to exceeding the caps. Nonetheless, we acknowledge receipt of the show cause notice and are seeking clarification on the basis for its issuance and will address this matter in the appropriate forum,” Royeca said in a mobile message.

“Rest assured, we take the time to train our drivers and implore the industry to keep to the same standards for the safety of the riding public,” he added.

In August, the SSS clarified that its agreement with Angkas would cover  30,000 bikers in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro City.

The motorcycle taxi pilot study began in 2019, covering three companies—Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide.

This was later expanded to allow an additional 2,000 motorcycle taxis each in Regions III and IV,  including operators such as Para Xpress, Maxim, Dingdong, and GrabBike.

In 2022, Grab Philippines, a transport network company operating four-wheeled vehicles, acquired Move It for an undisclosed amount. — DVM, GMA Integrated News