MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of Angkas riders on Friday called on Congress to discuss laws on motorcycle transportation and eventually amend R.A. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Romeo Manglungsod, chair of the Manila Riders Club, said the concerns of Angkas riders should be prioritized because it aids the country’s transportation problem.
“Naniniwala kami na ngayon na ‘yong panahon para baguhin ang isang lumang batas na R.A. 4136. ‘Yon ang aming hiling dahil hindi na siya (R.A. 4136) napapanahon (We believe that this is the time to amend old laws such as R.A. 4136),” Maglungsod said during a press briefing in Quezon City.
“Sa mga congressman, sa mga senador, talakayin naman natin ito. Kasi ito ay isang solusyon sa mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan. Yung mga empleyado niyo, sumasakay ng transportasyon ‘yan eh para ma-meet ‘yong deadline niyo,” he added.
(For congressmen and senators, let’s discuss this issue. This is a solution to our transportation problems. Your employees also ride public transportation.)
Section 7(c) of R.A. 4136 states that “private motorcycles, scooters, or motor wheel attachments (…) shall not be used for hire under any circumstances and shall not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay.”
Angkas drivers fall under this category as they are using private motorcycles without franchises to transport passengers.