Several lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Thursday pushed for the immediate passage of a measure that would legitimize the regulation and operation of motorcycle taxis (MCTs) as public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The lawmakers made the call in light of the increased demand for efficient public transport and livelihood during this pandemic.

Navotas City Rep. John Reynald Tiangco cited the scarcity of a reliable public transport system and the advancement of technology as the factors that drew attention again to the necessity of MCTs.

Tiangco said the MCTs helped in addressing the transport gap in Metro Manila in the absence of viable solutions to the public transportation problem.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles said there is an inordinate delay in the clear implementation of the service, noting that the trial period is already over-extended and clear policies must be in place.

Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda called on the House Committee on Transportation to fast-track the consolidation of the bills relating to MCTs.

“Tumataas ang bilang ng walang trabaho. Huwag na po natin i-delay para po sa mga nawalan ng trabaho (Unemployment is rising quickly. Let’s not delay [the passage of the bill to help] those who lost their jobs),” Baronda said.

Manila Rep. Cristal Bagatsing said MCTs have become an essential part of Filipinos’ public transport lives, noting that pilot studies provided enough data and collective experience on the ground from operators which can enable Congress to come up with a bill and pass legislation.

“Bakit pa natin sila patuloy na pinahihirapan? (Why are we letting them suffer?) Madami na nga nawalan ng trabaho, ‘wag na natin dagdagan pa (A lot of people already were left jobless; let’s not add to this) by removing their most convenient mode of transportation and livelihood,” Bagatsing said.

Data from Move as One Coalition revealed that from 3.5 million motorcycles in 2010, the number rose to 5.3 million in 2016.

It also reported that between 2012 and 2019, motorcycle trips in Metro Manila have tripled.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) data pegged the number of motorcycle owners at 18.8 million.

Quezon City Rep. Precious Castelo, one of the sponsors of the bill, expressed hope for the speedy and smooth amendment of the consolidated bill.

“In our district, a lot are relying on motorcycle taxis as a means of transportation and livelihood. We hope that passage and approval will be done by Congress and the Senate,” Castelo said. (PNA)