Solon hopes 19th Congress will pass bill legalizing motorcycle taxis

As the 19th Congress reopens this week, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte remains optimistic that the Senate will approve a House of Representatives-passed measure legalizing motorcycle taxis.

Following its three-month break for the midterm elections, the 19th Congress reopened on Monday for its remaining two session weeks prior to its sine die adjournment.

“With Sen. Grace [Poe] bullish on the approval of the Senate bill legitimizing motorcycle taxis, I remain optimistic about the 19th Congress passing a consolidated bill on bikes-for-hire before it ends its third and final regular session in June,” said Villafuerte, lead author of the House’s version of the bill.

“I am looking forward to the Congress’ approval in the nick of time of a ratified consolidated bill on a comprehensive framework for the operation and regulation of bikes-for-hire as an alternative economical mode of PUV (public utility vehicle) for both people and parcels or other goods,” he added.

He said that a Senate approval on the consolidated bill brings it closer towards its anticipated enactment. The proposed measure has to be reconciled first at the bicameral conference committee, prior to its submission to the Palace for the President’s signature.

Yamsuan’s House Bill 10424 is the counterpart of Senate Bill 104, which is pending approval by the Senate public services committee. Panel deliberations on SB 104 began when Poe was still the chairperson of the said committee.

According to earlier reports, Poe remained confident that SB 104 will be passed on third and final reading before the 19th Congress’ sine die adjournment in June. 

“I believe we have enough time to have the measure approved. First of all, many of our colleagues in the Senate are supportive of the bill as long as its provisions are well crafted,” Poe was quoted saying.

Given that the House has already approved its version of the bill, Poe said “it would be easier to reconcile the two versions …  Then hopefully we can pass it before the 19th Congress adjourns in June.”