Congress Approves Motorcycles-for-Hire Bill on Third and Final Reading

Angkas and other prospective motorcycle-for-hire operators are one step closer to legitimization as the House of Representatives has approved on its third and final reading House Bill No. 8959, also known as the 'Motorcycles-for-Hire Act.'

The measure, principally authored by Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. (1st District, South Cotabato), aims to provide convenience and ease of commute in urban and rural areas by allowing and regulating the use of motorcycles as an alternative mode of public transportation by amending Republic Act (RA) No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

One of the amendments to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code is the insertion of the term 'motorcycles-for-hire.'

The term is referred under the bill as "any two-wheeled motor vehicle that may be registered with the Land Transportation Office as for hire and may be used as a commercial vehicle to transport passengers and goods."

The bill likewise proposed that motorcycles for transporting passengers shall have a minimum engine displacement of 125 cubic centimeters and a backbone-type build. Furthermore, it amends the same law by including 'motorcycles-for-hire' in the classification of vehicles.

Once signed into law, motorcycles that are to be registered as 'for-hire' vehicles must have a certificate of public convenience or a special permit issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and that these motorcycles shall be subject to the Public Service Laws, rules and regulations including the provisions of the Act.

The measure mandates the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure the roadworthiness of motorcycles-for-hire before registration or its renewal thereof. Likewise, the LTO shall promulgate the necessary prerequisites and guidelines for the issuance of licenses to the driver-applicants pursuant to the provisions of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as amended by RA 10930.

The LTFRB, on the other hand, shall determine, prescribe, approve and periodically review and adjust, reasonable fares, rates and other related charges for the operation of motorcycles-for-hire.

Motorcycles-for-hire may be allowed to operate for a limited period, with a limited number of units and in specific routes only, as may be determined by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTFRB, in coordination with concerned local government units (LGUs).

The operation of motorcycles-for-hire in violation of the Act shall be penalized pursuant to the violations and fines and penalties provided under existing laws and regulations.

Companies or their officers or directors who provide online ride-hailing or pre-arranged transportation platforms involving motorcycles without a valid franchise shall have solidary liability and shall be penlized accordingly.

The bill mandates the DOTr, LTO and LTFRB, in collaboration with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Department of Health (DoH), and other agencies and stakeholders to promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within 60 days from the effectivity of the Act.

The IRR shall include, among others, limitation of the number of riders and the weight or load capacity that can be carried as certified safe by manufacturers; the applicable speed limits; the road safety and traffic laws and regulations that need to be complied with; the necessary insurance policy covering the driver, rider and third party; the designation of terminals; and other requirements for the safety, security and health of the driver and rider.