MANILA: The Motorcycle Taxi Riders Organization (Metro) said it fully supports the government clean-up efforts against ghost riders and discrepancies in the motorcycle taxi industry.
“Our call is simple: Clean up the industry before changing the rules. Find out who the real legitimate riders are before discussing how to expand the system,” Metro said in a statement on Monday (Aug 10).
The organisation said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must first identify legitimate riders from violators before proper regulations are implemented.
It urged to maintain the cap on riders and not push for the amendments on the multihoming rules to riders while the numbers of legitimate motor taxis remain unclear.
“These questions became more serious amid discrepancies in rider lists for government assistance – including whether approximately P 700 million to Php 1 billion in fuel subsidies may have been released to unauthorized or “colorum” riders onboarded beyond government-allocated caps,” it added.
Metro also said the LFTRB has already issued clear guidelines on the Provisional Authority to Operate (PAO).
“Clean-up first, then reform after. The solution to violations cannot be to change the rules to eliminate liability. Those who follow the rules should not be disadvantaged. Those who violate should not be rewarded. That is fair competition: same rules and enforcement for all; no special treatment,” it expressed.
Commuters represented by Digital Pinoys, a consumer advocacy non-governmental organization, also backed the government clean-up drive within the motorcycle taxi industry, according to Metro.
It also emphasized commuters’ choice, further rejecting cases of ‘monopoly’ and fare hikes in the Transport Network Vehicle Service sector, especially at times when riders are in high-demand.
“Our call to President Marcos, the DOTr, LTFRB, DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), and Congress is simple: Stand firm. Continue the clean-up. Protect legitimate riders. Hold violators accountable. Then reform the rules for all,” it stressed. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
