LTFRB to start apprehending Angkas bikers Wed., Dec. 12

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) intends to start apprehending Angkas bikers and operators on Wednesday, after its authority to apprehend was restored by the Supreme Court (SC).

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday the LTFRB will release a resolution ordering enforcers to apprehend Angkas bikers operators and.

“Apprehension of ‘Angkas’ bikers will commence upon issuance of the LTFRB within the day,” it said in a statement.

“In line with the TRO issued by the SC, the LTFRB will release a resolution ordering enforcers to implement the SC order and for ‘Angkas’ operators and bikers to cease and desist their service to avoid apprehension,” the DOTr added.

• Balintawak

• Eastwood

• Katipunan

• New Manila

• Quezon City Circle

• Monumento

• SM North

• South Triangle

• Manila

• Makati

• Pasig

• Pasay

• San Juan

• Taguig

Fares start at P50 for the first 2 kilometers, and P10 for every succeeding kilometer, but prices may vary based on demand.

The SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of a directive by the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court (RTC).

In September, The Mandaluyong RTC allowed Angkas to resume operations pending a final decision from industry regulators. The court prevented the LTFRB and the DOTr from “interfering, whether directly or indirectly, with the petitioner’s operations.”

In a statement, Angkas said the TRO puts the livelihood of 25,000 biker-partners at risk.

"This comes at a time when hundreds of thousands of commuters need the Angkas service to beat the worsening holiday traffic," Angkas head of operations David Medrana said.

Medrana added that Angkas is hopeful that the Supreme Court will "eventually rule in favor of the Filipino riding public."

In welcoming the SC decision, the DOTr cited that motorcycle operators are not allowed to charge fares for transport.

“Our position remains the same—motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136,” it said.

“For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress,” it added. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas and Ted Cordero/VDS/BM, GMA News