Duterte wants motorcycle taxis to continue operations —Bong Go

President Rodrigo Duterte wants the operations of motorcycle taxis to continue, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go said Tuesday.

Go said Duterte also wanted the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) inter-agency Technical Working Group (TWG) to resume its pilot study on the matter.

“Okay naman siya at pumayag naman siya na sa ngayon ‘wag munang ituloy ‘yung paghuli. Tuloy muna ang pilot test run for the meantime na wala pang amendments,” Go told reporters.

He said the Duterte only wanted the motorcycle taxi drivers to ensure their safety and that of passengers.

“S'yempre rider din po ‘yan. Safety not only sa passenger including the driver dahil nagiging public utility vehicle. Ibang usapan na ito, safety ng pasahero ang mauuna,” Go said.

He expressed hope the matter will be ironed out when the TWG meets with the motorcycle ride-hailing operators this week.

“Hopefully (maayos na) basta ngayon wala munang hulihan, wala po munang mawawalan ng hanapbuhay,” he said. 

On Monday, TWG chairperson and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Board Member Antonio Gardiola Jr. said they recommended the termination of their pilot study because of the cases filed against them by Angkas.

With the termination of the study, the motorcycle taxis will be deemed illegal and will not be allowed to operate. Those who will violate it will be arrested.

During the hearing, the senators, including Go, scored the TWG for its decision and asked the group to reconsider it.

Go even said he would recommend to Duterte and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade the continuation of the operation of the motorcycle taxis.

Later in the day, he said Tugade agreed with him. —NB, GMA News