The Provincial Board endorsed Senate Bill 1025 or the “Motorcycle-for-Hire” Act introduced by Senator Sonny Angara in the 18th Congress, through Resolution No. 241-19 co-authored by Board Members Ryan Maminta and Cherry Pie Acosta.
Senate Bill 1025 aims to legalize and regulate “habal-habal” or motorcycle taxis. The current law regulating motor vehicles Republic Act 4136 or Land Transportation and Traffic Code does not allow for registration of motorcycles as vehicles-for-hire.
Despite this, motorcycle taxis have been prevalent in the provinces, and are oftentimes used as a primary mode of transportation especially in remote areas.
Over the years, transport network vehicle services or TNVS companies have had motorcycle-for-hire services as an alternative to vehicle-for-hire and ride-sharing services in metropolitan areas.
The bill was filed in response to the growing need for motorcycles-for-hire in the wake of worsening traffic conditions in metropolitan areas where it has become an established alternative mode of transportation.
It also seeks to recognize motorcycle taxis as a legitimate means of livelihood, as well as regulation of the service.
Under the bill, motorcycle taxis must pass road worthiness tests before being certified as such.
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