MANILA -- Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday said he will sign a department order allowing motorcycle taxis to continue operating while waiting for Congress to enact a law legalizing their operations.

In a statement, the DOTr said this comes after meeting with Angkas founder George Royeca, where they discussed how riders' depend on motorcycle taxi operations for their livelihood.

The pilot program for motorcycle taxis ended in 2024, but the law legalizing the industry remains pending and there is not much time left before the 19th Congress closes.

“The permanent solution for the continuous operations of (motorcycle) taxis would require congressional action," Dizon said. "That’s why the DOTr is committed to working with our lawmakers to come up with viable solutions that greatly benefit both our riders and commuters."

The official noted, however, that motorcycle taxis must be fully compliant with the recently issued department rder on road safety, as well as existing standards and regulations on road worthiness and driver qualifications.

Group calls on lawmakers to fast-track legalization of motorcycle taxis in PH

In January, the Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines (MTCP) said it was time to prioritize and accelerate the legalization of motorcycle taxis to protect the jobs of riders and "enhance urban mobility." 

Once signed into law, motorcycle taxis will be regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the fares and other fees they may charge.

Motorcycle taxis will also have a speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour. Operators and platforms can also be held liable for death, injuries, or damage to property that may happen in the course of doing business.

There are currently three main players in the motorcycle taxi business, namely Angkas, Joyride and Move It, which collectively employ at least 45,000 riders.

A member of the House Committee on Transportation backs the continued operation of motorcycle taxis pending a law for its regulation. 

"Mas malaki ang advantages para sa ating mga kababayan, at the same time nakakapag-generate ng livelihood sa mga riders. Dapat talaga, unang-una maisabatas ito para protekado ang rider, protektado ang customer, pati ‘yung angkas, protektado lahat," said 1-RIDER party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita.