Angkas is not going down without a fight.
The motorcycle-hailing app is once again under threat after the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) recently allowed government regulators to apprehend its drivers. But the company is pulling out all the stops to keep their vehicles on the road, including holding a free concert this Saturday.
Angkas announced the event on its social media platforms last night and calls it a “thanksgiving concert.”
The app is known for its quirky and often sarcastic posts and their event invite is no different.
Part of its caption reads: “Take a stand and show your support, mga panget (ugly people)! Walang magsa-stampede, ha? (No one cause a stampede, ok?) #AngkasForever.”
https://www.facebook.com/AngkasPH/photos/a.1815372628733154/2291967417740337/?type=3&theater
Angkas has become very popular among Metro Manila’s commuters, especially millennials. Many see it as a good alternative to the city’s unreliable modes of transportation because they’re cheaper and can get around heavy traffic.
However, government regulators don’t think it’s very safe.
On Monday, the Philippine Department of Transportation reiterated in a statement emailed to the media that it is illegal to use two-wheel vehicles for hire.
It also said that data from the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group shows how motorcycles had the highest number of crashes — 5,105 — out of all modes of transportation in the first 10 months of this year.
However, a Change.org petition made by Angkas Spokesperson George Royeca says that the passenger service actually has a 99.997 percent safety record.
“It is a testament not only to the viability of using motorcycles for safe passenger services, but also of the massive improvements that a single committed organization can make to professionalize an industry,” the petition reads.
The petition also explains why Angkas continues its operations despite the SC’s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against an injunction that stopped the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board from apprehending its drivers.
“The TRO does NOT suspend Angkas’ operations, but merely allows the LTFRB to once again apprehend Angkas bikers if they choose to do so,” it reads.
As of this article’s posting, the petition had 49,538 signatures.
Its Saturday concert, perhaps, is a way to illustrate just how many people use Angkas.
Its lineup includes acts the masses love like actress and singer Nadine Lustre, rock band Mayonnaise, rapper Andrew E, and the controversial but undeniably popular Ex Batallion.
The concert will be held at the Quezon City Circle main stage starting 5pm.
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