Agency says TRO is 'effective immediately'

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have welcomed the Supreme Court's Temporary Restraining Order against the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court's preliminary injunction that has allowed it to operate since August 20, 2018.

The agency said the TRO is effective immediately and will issue orders within the day to Angkas to cease ride-hailing operations and for its officers to apprehend any Angkas riders caught doing so.

The agencies have issued a statement regarding the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC).

What follows is the official statement in full:

The DOTr and LTFRB welcome the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) against Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court Branch 213 Judge, Carlos A. Valenzuela, and the private respondents and their agents/representatives involved in the prohibition of the LTFRB from apprehending Angkas bikers. 

The TRO, which was issued on 05 December 2018 and received only by the DOTr Legal Affairs Office today, 12 December 2018, is effective immediately and will continue until further orders from the high court. 

The TRO prevents the implementation of the order by Judge Valenzuela on 20 August 2018, which granted a preliminary injunction in favor of ride-hailing service, Angkas, that prevented the government from interfering directly or indirectly with its operations and the apprehension of its bikers.

The DOTr and LTFRB express [their] gratitude to the high court for issuing the TRO, as it is in line with our efforts to prioritize the safety and security of the riding public through proper implementation of the law.

Our position remains the same — motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress.

Additionally, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered a safe mode of public transport.

In line with the TRO issued by the SC, the LTFRB will release a resolution ordering enforcers to implement the SC order and for Angkas operators and bikers to cease and desist their service to avoid apprehension. 

Apprehension of Angkas bikers will commence upon issuance of the LTFRB resolution within the day.

We reiterate — safety is our priority. Following our laws is our priority. We will remain faithful to our mandate in giving commuters a safe and efficient mode of public transportation.