Senator Bong Go, during a hearing convened by the Senate Committee of Public Services earlier today, has expressed his interest to extend the motorcycle taxi pilot run. This came after the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Motorcycle Taxis presented their recommendation to terminate the pilot study to aid the Legalization of Motorcycle Taxi Services.
TWG Chief, Antonio Gardiola Jr., has expressed the TWG's dismay over the apparent “moro-moro” over the pilot program, particularly with regard to Angkas' actions.
“We're now resorting to legal rigmaroles (lengthy and complicated procedures). The study is being impeded and we cannot gather data because of the actions being undertaken by one of the players [Angkas] so it's better to terminate it,” said Gardiola in Filipino. Sen. Go, on the other hand, thinks otherwise.
“We're not anti-business. But, as a service provider, you have responsibilities for the safety of the public. We cannot ignore the public interest. Let's not only think about how much the profit would be.”
The rookie senator also added that he will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade to extend the pilot study under certain conditions.
"I will recommend the extension of the pilot study to the President and to Sec. Art Tugade, provided that they will abide and care for the safety of the passengers."
No stake in JoyRide
Sen. Go also shed light on fake news circulating on social media alleging his involvement in motorcycle ridesharing app and Angkas competitor, JoyRide.
“Hindi po totoo ‘yung kumakalat sa Twitter at ibang social media outlets na ako raw ang may-ari o may interes ako sa JoyRide. Nagsalita na po si Mr. Noli Eala. Isang malaking kasinungalingan po ito, fake news po ito. (What's come out in Twitter and other social media outlets that I have interests in Joyride is not true. Mr. Noli Eala [JoyRide VP for corporate affairs] has said so. It's not true. It's fake news).” said Go. “Sa totoo lang, noong lumabas lang ang isyung ito na narinig ko ang kumpanyang JoyRide na iyan. (In truth, it's the first time I've heard of JoyRide when the news came out).”
To prove his neutrality, Go asked transport regulators to immediately deny applications of groups that use his name and the President’s to push their own interests.
