The Inter-Agency TWG on Motorcycle Taxis met yesterday, 15 January 2019, with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to discuss matters and clarify issues concerning the current study on the viability of motorcycles as a form of public transportation.
During the meeting, TWG Chairman and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Board Member, Antonio Gardiola Jr., clarified that the pilot implementation is geared to come up with a recommendation on the viability and safety of the use of motorcycle taxis as a mode of public transportation. It was likewise emphasized that the purpose of welcoming other players in the pilot study is to prevent the establishment of a monopoly on data submission and analysis.
The recommendation that will be crafted upon the termination of the pilot study will be submitted to Congress to be used as basis in amending the law.
Meanwhile, the PCC, led by Chairman, Arsenio Balisacan, sought for cooperation through a Memorandum of Agreement with LTFRB to discuss competition concerns involving the ride-hailing apps in the land transport sector. This is in accordance with PCC’s mandate to provide technical advisories on competition matters to regulatory and other government agencies.
Also present in the meeting were LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, PCC Commissioner, Johannes Bernabe, PCC Commissioner, Macario De Claro Jr., DOTr Asec. for Road Transport and Infrastructure, Mark Steven Pastor, DOTr Asec. for Communications and Commuter Affairs, Goddes Hope Libiran, and DOTr Consultant Mr. Bert Suansing.
