And the saga continues! More than three months after a Mandaluyong court issued an order to allow motorcycle ride-hailing operator Angkas to serve the public in Metro Manila, the Supreme Court recently released a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would enable the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to put a stop to Angkas operations.
As expected, the LTFRB immediately ordered law enforcers to resume apprehending Angkas bikers and even impound their (bikers) motorcycles when they are found to be serving passengers for fees. That order commences on the night of Wednesday (December 12, 2018). This may mean that the riding public may have their reasonable and convenient option for transport out, at a time when traffic situation is starting to get bad inevitably due to the Christmas shopping season across the metro.
In its official statement released the same day, Angkas Head of Operations David Medrana said the Supreme Court TRO will affect hundreds of thousands of commuters who need the bikers’ service to beat the worsening holiday traffic.
Bad timing
“This TRO also puts the livelihood of 25,000 biker-partners at risk—a few days before Christmas, when their families need it the most,” Medrana’s statement read. “We offer our safety record of 99.997% as a potential model for responsible traffic safety nationwide.”
It can be recalled that the LTFRB suspended Angkas’ operations in November 2017 due to the ride-sharing service’s lack of a business permit and to uphold its perception that motorcycles pose safety risks to the public.
In September 2018, a Mandaluyong court granted Angkas’ plea for a preliminary injunction versus LTFRB’s enforcement. As of press time, it is still not clear what legal step Angkas would take next in response to the High Court’s order.
However, in its official statement, Angkas reiterated that it will “continue to fight to serve commuters in a safe and efficient manner.” The ride-hailing operator vows to continue fighting for the legitimacy of its bikers. “We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will eventually rule in favor of the Filipino riding public.”
Photo from Angkas’ FB page
Angkas’ TRO discount
In line with the High Court’s TRO, Angkas announced its own version of ‘TRO’ effective December 12. On its social media pages, Angkas said it would grant a P99-discount to every passenger who will use the promo code ‘AngkasTRO.’ The code will be valid for two transactions per passenger (Two Rides Only, thus the abbreviation ‘TRO’). This offer is good for 5,000 overall redemptions.
“It’s better to give than to receive! Kung may TRO kami, kayo din meron,” the announcement stated.