Two major rider groups have appealed to the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MCT-TWG) to consider the human costs and impact of its policies on both commuters and riders, as it prepares to decide on the appeal filed by Move It to recall an order cutting by half the motorcycle taxi platform’s fleet.
The MCT-TWG is now deliberating to resolve the motion for reconsideration and supplemental appeal of Move It to reverse an order the former had issued last April, which would render some 14,000 riders operating in Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro unemployed. Move It said the decision was made without due process and was based on outdated facts and figures.
Andie Delos Santos, spokesperson for the United Motorcycle Community, said the decision at hand goes beyond compliance issues.
“Totoong tao ang ping-uusapan dito, hindi numero. Mga tatay, mga kapatid, mga breadwinner ng kani-kanilang pamilya. Umaasa sila sa Move It para kumita at mapakain ang kanilang pamilya at paaralin ang kanilang mga anak. May tiwala kami na gagawin ng gobyerno hindi lang ang legal, kundi ang tama,” Delos Santos said.
Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community, raised concern that Move It was always targeted and singled out by “noisy” groups that were insensitive to the plight of the company’s riders. “Hinihingi lang namin fairness and understanding. Sa lahat ng kumpanya, parang Move It lagi ang pinag-iinitan ng mga maiingay na grupo tulad ng Digital Pinoys.”
“Bakit ganun? Kung mawalan ba kami ng trabaho, sila ba magpapakain sa mga pamilya namin? Sila ba magbabayad ng tuition ng mga anak namin? Obvious naman na wala silang pakialam sa kapakanan ng mga apektadong driver,” lamented Maglungsod.
Delos Santos added that the riding public would also benefit if the TWG rules in favor of Move It.
“Every Move It rider taken off the road is one less ride for a commuter. This is not just about us riders. It’s about commuters who need safe, affordable, and fast transportation every day, in a country now in the middle of a public transportation crisis,” he said in Filipino.
