PBBM supports legalization of motorcycle taxis

MANILA – President Marcos has voiced his support for the legalization of motorcycle taxis and the relaxation of regulations concerning transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), emphasizing that such policies would offer passengers, drivers, and businesses a broader range of options.

Marcos made this statement following a meeting with officials from Grab Holdings Inc., a Singapore-based technology company involved in ride-hailing, food delivery, parcel delivery, digital payment, and financial services, held at Malacañang last Tuesday.

“We’re working with Grab to legalize motorcycle taxis and relax regulations on TNVS. More transport options will benefit commuters, drivers and MSMEs,” the President said in a Facebook post.

The current law prohibits the use of motorcycles for transporting passengers or goods. However, in response to increasing demands for more accessible public transportation options, the government initiated pilot testing for motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila and Cebu in 2019.

Grab has suggested the legalization of motorcycle taxis and the removal of regulations on the supply of transportation network vehicle services (TNVS).

The Department of Transportation stated that lifting the supply cap would require thorough evaluation, taking into consideration data provided by transport network companies and feedback from consultations with stakeholders.

Currently, around 40,000 drivers are registered with Grab’s TNVS, with approximately 30,000 operating on routes in Metro Manila.

In a separate Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that President Marcos has directed an immediate review of the proposal to legalize motorcycle taxis.

During the same meeting, Marcos also acknowledged Grab Philippines’ significant contribution to local employment.

“Your impact on unemployment numbers… comprises about 1.1 percent of the increase in employment in the past year and half… the 300,000 that we’re talking about has a significant effect,” Marcos was quoted by a PCO statement as saying.

Anthony Tan, the chief executive officer of Grab Holdings Inc., informed President Marcos that when the company acquired the ride-hailing firm Move It, they were conducting 8,000 rides per day. Since then, this number has surged to over 300,000 daily rides.

Furthermore, Grab Philippines has set its sights on expanding operations to an additional 10 cities and municipalities.