By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Grace Poe said that despite the absence of the law, motorcycle riders can still continue their operations as the Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has the authority to allow them to continue.
Poe pointed out that the absence of a law should not result in the loss of jobs of over 60,000 motorcycle riders in the country.
Nasa LTFRB naman talaga ang deadline kung itutuloy nila ito o hindi. Pwede naman silang magkaroon ng extension pending the passage of the bill. Sila naman yung pumapayag dyan,” she said.
“Kung kailangan nila ng Senate resolution mula sa amin para meron silang legal cover, pwede naman naming gawin ‘yan. Iyong resolution ay pinipirmahan ng mga senador para sabihin na suportado namin ang extension habang ang panukalang batas ay aming sinusuri,” she added.
Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, previously headed the Committee on Public Services that started the hearings on the motorcycle-for-hire bills few years ago.
The senator emphasized the significance of motorcycle taxis as a safe and viable mode of transportation, which has created employment opportunities for thousands of riders.
“Sa mga kababayan, huwag po kayong mag-alala sapagkat napaka-importante nitong serbisyo na ito ng mga motorcycles for hire, at hindi ito dapat itigil ng LTFRB dahil lang hindi pa naipapasa ang batas,” Poe said.
ia/mnm