Motorcycle Taxi Bill Needs To Be Fast-tracked

There is an urgent need to fast-track the so-called motorcycle taxi bill now pending in Congress for it to be enacted as a law as it would ensure a robust economy given the hellish traffic obtaining now in the metropolis.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has advocated for the prompt passage of the Bosita-Gutierrez bill addressing legal hurdles for motorcycle taxis operating in the metropolis. I Image: Move It Facebook

After all, President BBM has acknowledged the necessity for expanded transportation options, a sentiment echoed by Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez highlighted the President's recognition of the need for diverse transportation alternatives during discussions with officials of Grab Holdings, Inc.

Consequently, the Speaker advocated for the prompt passage of the Bosita-Gutierrez bill, aimed at addressing legal hurdles for motorcycle taxis operating in the metropolis.

The proposed bill aims to formalize the status of motorcycle taxis, which have been undergoing pilot testing in Metro Manila and Cebu since 2019.

Its enactment would legalize this mode of transportation and address legal barriers hindering the adoption of motorcycle taxis in the metropolis.

Last February, Romualdez emphasized Congress's commitment to prioritizing the passage of a motorcycle taxi law, emphasizing that it aligns with the goal of providing more choices for passengers, drivers, and businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The House Committee on Transportation, led by Chair Romeo Acop, is in the final stages of refining the bill. Despite this progress, parallel hearings conducted by the Metro Manila Development Committee are duplicating discussions on the same bill, involving similar officials from transport groups.

This duplication is inefficient and undermines the optimal utilization of congressional resources.

Speaker Romualdez must intervene to ensure the speedy passage of the motorcycle taxi bill, which will benefit MSMEs and generate additional employment opportunities. When there are divergent views on a proposed bill, it is the Speaker's responsibility to facilitate dialogue between committee chairpersons to reach a consensus efficiently.

Ultimately, it is the economy that should be paramount in the discussion on the merits of a bill.

Peripheral issues should not be a hindrance to the existence of a law on motorcycle taxis that will allow for a vigorous boost to the MSMEs, which as per studies, account for 70 percent of employment.

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