By Wilnard Bacelonia

MANILA – Senators Raffy Tulfo and Grace Poe on Tuesday called for decisive action to pass the long-delayed Motorcycle Taxi Law, which seeks to legalize and regulate motorcycles-for-hire as a safe mode of public transportation.
In a press briefing, Tulfo pledged to prioritize the bill, which has been pending for more than five years.
“Gagawin ko lahat this time kasi nakabinbin yan for so many years na, five years. Hopefully, kakayanin natin at hahabulin natin (I will do everything this time because this has been delayed for many years, five years. Hopefully, we can do it within [this 19th Congress]),” he said, noting the importance of addressing the needs of both riders and the commuting public.
Poe, who was Tulfo’s predecessor as chairperson of the Senate Public Services Committee, also said the bill is long overdue.
“The motorcycle-for-hire bill has been through the long and winding road to passage. Our tank is full. It’s time to start our engines and put our years of work into motion,” said Poe, who now chairs the Senate Finance Committee.
Highlighting the demand for motorcycle taxis, she underscored the need to formalize the sector.
“Legalizing motorcycle taxis uplifts riders, transforming them into professional drivers with income and welfare benefits. It’s not just a necessity, it’s an imperative to regulate this rapidly growing sector,” she said.
Both senators urged their colleagues to prioritize the bill and institutionalize a responsive and dynamic framework for motorcycle-for-hire operations and improve mobility for the commuting public. (PNA)