House passes motorcycles-for-hire bill on final reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading of the measure on the regulation of motorcycles-for-hire.

With 200 yes votes, one no vote, and zero abstention, the House passed House Bill 10424, which allows the operation of motorcycles as common carriers for the transportation of passengers and goods, including parcels and mail.

Existing motorcycles for hire, including those for public transport, are currently operating under a pilot study dating back to 2019. 

The pilot study initially included three transportation network companies (TNCs)  namely Angkas, Joyride and Move-it. Since then, four more TNCs were allowed to operate starting 2024 namely Taxsee, Para Xpress, Dingdong PH, and Grab.

The bill also provides that motorcycles-for-hire are classified as common carriers and public utility vehicles and as such, governed by applicable provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations on common carriers and public utility vehicles.

The measure mandates the registration of motorcycles-for-hire with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure the roadworthiness of all motorcycle-for-hire before their registration, or renewal of registration.

Likewise, the bill also tasks the Department of Transportation (DOTr), upon the recommendation of the Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) and the LTO, to provide the standards and specifications of motorcycles that may be allowed to operate as motorcycles-for-hire.

 "This will provide a safe, sufficient, and economical mode of public transport by allowing and regulating the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles,” the committee report on the measure read.

Back in May, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recommended the integration of motorcycle taxis as a safe and viable means of public transportation to Congress.