Amidst the terrible traffic that is just going to get worse as Christmas Eve nears, the Supreme Court has issued a resolution that bans the operation of app-based motorcycle hailing service Angkas. This counters the preliminary injunction order that the company was able to secure from the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court last September and enabled them to re-start their operations.
In line with this TRO, the LTFRB has already announced that they are releasing a resolution ordering their enforcers to implement the SC order and for Angkas operators and bikers to cease and desist their service to avoid apprehension.
Here’s the official statement:
DOTr – LTFRB Press Statement
12 December 2018
DOTr, LTFRB welcome SC TRO vs. RTC Order prohibiting apprehension of “Angkas” Bikers
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) welcome the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) against Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 213 Judge Carlos A. Valenzuela, and the private respondents and their agents/representatives involved in the prohibition of the LTFRB from apprehending “Angkas” bikers.
The TRO, which was issued on 05 December 2018 and received only by the DOTr Legal Affairs Office today, 12 December 2018, is effective immediately and will continue until further orders from the high court.
The TRO prevents the implementation of the order by Judge Valenzuela on 20 August 2018, which granted a preliminary injunction in favor of ride-hailing service “Angkas,” that prevented the government from interfering directly or indirectly with its operations and the apprehension of its bikers.
The DOTr and LTFRB express its gratitude to the high court for issuing the TRO, as it is in line with our efforts to prioritize the safety and security of the riding public through proper implementation of the law.
Our position remains the same — motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress.
Additionally, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered a safe mode of public transport.
Have you tried Angkas? Your thoughts?