Grab, Move It urge lawmakers to legalize MC taxis

Grab Philippines and its Move It both appealed to lawmakers to legalize operation of motorcycle taxis around the country.

The two companies issued their respective statements following the hearing at the House Committee on Metro Manila Development wherein legislators stakeholders discussed proposals surrounding safety and efficiency of motorcycle taxis.

Both firms said that there is a need to “open the field to more industry players in order to address the needs of commuters for affordable, safe, and reliable mode of public transportation,” citing that the program is currently operating under a pilot study and only has three accredited three firms—Angkas, JoyRide and Move It—for the pilot run.

“We appreciate that there are continuing discussions that would help our lawmakers craft the law toward the legalization and regulation of the industry. Putting in place a law is the win-win solution for all stakeholders, particularly our commuters who deserve an efficient and safe form of public transportation,” Grab said.

“Under a regulated environment, we expect to see more industry players and we welcome this as this will provide more job opportunities to Filipinos and give more choices to our commuters. Competition will make the motorcycle taxi business vibrant and its service better,” it added.

The transport firms said that during the hearing, lawmakers said that their partnership was compliant with the rules set by a technical working group (TWG) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Move It legal counsel Atty. Ann Albana assured committee members and stakeholders that the motorcycle ride-hailing company “will still be under the supervision of the MC Taxi TWG, and it will continue to abide by MC Taxi Guidelines, especially on the safety and welfare of the consumers.”

“We are happy to disclose that the acquisition complied with the law, and all approvals required for the acquisition have been obtained. It did not violate any requirement of the MC Taxi TWG,” she said.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa ating mga mambabatas at mga government officials sa kanilang naging papel sa paglilinaw na ang ating acquisition deal with Grab ay legal at above board. Makailang ulit na po natin itong ipinaliwanag sa publiko, at nagagalak po kami na maging ang ating mga mambabatas at regulators ay sang-ayon po dito. (We thank our legislators and government officials for their role in clarifying that the acquisition deal with Grab is legal and above board. We have explained this to the public several times, and we are happy that even our legislators and regulators agree with it),” Move It Chairman Francis Juan for his part said.

“Panahon na po na isang-tabi natin ang iringan sa motorcycle taxi, at tutukan natin ang pagsasabatas nito para sa ating mga riders at pasahero (It's time to put aside the commotion on motorcycle taxis, and let's focus on legislating it for our riders and passengers),” he added.

Photos from Move It, Grab

Also read:

MC Taxi TWG suspends Grab-Move It Collaboration

Lawyers group eyes suspension of Move It accreditation following Grab PH acquisition

MC Taxi Pilot Study to Continue, Now with Increased Rider Cap, Expanded Coverage