LTFRB wants Angkas, ‘habal-habal’ drivers to turn to delivery sector

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is putting up a job fair for drivers of motorcycle-taxis after ride-sharing operations using such vehicles were recently suspended, the agency’s head said Saturday.

Under the current law, a motorcycle is not considered a safe mode to transport people although it can be used to carry goods, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said in an interview on ANC’s “Dateline Philippines Weekend.”

Delgra said the job fair for “habal-habal” (motorcycles used for public transport) and Angkas drivers will be held next month in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment.

“We will make use of their expertise as motorcycle drivers but this time as a mode of delivering goods,” he said.

Last week, authorities shut down Angkas after finding out that it did not have a business permit. LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada led the apprehension of an unlicensed Angkas driver.

In a statement, Angkas said it would stop accepting bookings and taking in riders as it pursues talks with the LTRFB and other transport authorities.

In March, the LTFRB also suspended Grab Bike operations after the Department of Transportation said that motorcycle and bike services may not be considered a public-transport alternative until the safety of their riders is assured.