Approved by the boss

Pending the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas, has been granted a pilot run extension by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DOTr's Assistant Secretary, Mark de Leon, has confirmed to the press that it was secretary Tugade himself who gave the recommendation to the LTFRB. As part of his recommendation, the Secretary hopes to open up the pilot implementation to other motorcycle taxi operators. So far, there have been 6 new providers that submitted their proposals and are already under review, including Indonesia's largest ride-hailing provider, Gojek.

Gojek's application had been rejected in the past for failing to establish 60% Filipino ownership of its local subsidiary and operator as part of Philippine law. With its new local partners, Gojek hopes to meet the requirements this time around.

LTFRB Board Member Gen. Antonio Gardiola, Jr. heads the Technical Working Group (TWG), which monitors the pilot implementation. Their recommendation will be the basis of whether or not Angkas and similar motorcycle taxi operators will be legalized by the government. Their official report is expected to come out this week.

For a motorcycle taxi operator to be considered for the pilot run extension, it should be in compliance with the government's strict security measures, insurance, rate control and other requirements for the safety of the riding public.

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