A lawmaker has called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ensure that motorcycle taxi riders do not shoulder the impact of a ₱555.75-million fine recently levied against ride-hailing app Move It.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 3, 1-Rider Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez emphasized that riders must be shielded from the financial fallout of the regulatory penalty.
“Habang ang multa ay nakatuon sa platform, ang mga rider ang maaaring magdusa sa huli. Sila ang umaasa sa hanapbuhay na ito para sa kanilang pamilya. Dapat tiyakin ng LTFRB na hindi sila ang magiging kawawa sa naging desisyon,” Gutierrez said.
The LTFRB penalized Move It after discovering that the platform exceeded its cap of 17,746 authorized rider-partners. With 73,321 active riders across Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City—surpassing the limit by 55,575—the company faced a penalty of ₱10,000 for each excess driver.
Gutierrez, who serves as senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Transportation, argued that ordinary drivers should not suffer for corporate compliance issues or regulatory caps, especially given the absence of a permanent legal framework.
He highlighted the vital role that motorcycle taxi riders play in public transportation and family financial support, pledging that his party-list will coordinate closely with both Move It and the LTFRB to safeguard livelihoods.
Current operations are regulated under Department of Transportation (DOTr) Department Order No. 2026-006 and LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2026-048. However, Gutierrez pointed out that temporary administrative issuances fail to provide long-term security.
To resolve these recurring issues, the 1-Rider Party-list is strongly advocating for the immediate approval of the Motorcycle Taxi Bill. The proposed legislation aims to establish permanent industry guidelines, implement demand-based rider limits, secure social benefits, and protect drivers’ jobs.
“We can no longer leave the industry and thousands of riders dependent only on temporary administrative orders. We need a law to give them certainty, dignity, and protection,” Gutierrez added.
The party-list has called on senators and representatives alike to fast-track the bill to establish stability for both commuters and riders.