Measures seeking to allow motorcycles to operate as public transportation hurdled scrutiny by the Senate committee on public services chaired by Sen. Grace Poe.
At the second hearing of proposals lifting the ban on two-wheeled vehicles from ferrying passengers, Poe moved to approve Senate Bill Nos. 2173 and 2180 and Senate Resolution 993 authored separately by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito and Poe.
“Kinikilala natin na ito ay alternatibo at kailangan ng transportasyon papunta sa mga main hub… kaya ito ay ikinokonsidera natin,” said Poe as she adjourned the public hearing.
Poe said the panel will now work to report out a final version of the measure and vowed to push for its approval before the end of the 17th Congress.
“Mayroon pong demand para dito [motorcycles] sapagkat mas mura, mabilis at kumportable ang pagmomotor dahil na rin sa napakatinding siksikan ng mga sasakyan sa traffic,” Poe added.
Poe asserted said that while she favors an alternative and cheaper mode of transportation, she wants to ensure that drivers have proper trainings and passengers have accident insurance.
“Ang seguridad at safety ng mananakay ang pangunahing babantayan at sisiguraduhin. Bagama’t mayroong ‘demand,’ hindi naman natin maikakaila ang ‘inherent vulnerability’ ng mga motorsiklo sa mga aksidente; at dahil dito, nararapat lamang na mas matindi ang safety requirements sa motorsiklo,” Poe stressed.
Sen. Nancy Binay, who was at the hearing, said “safety will always be everyone’s paramount concern.”
“We are all here to find ways in addressing issues of providing an alternative mode to the commuting public, and at the same time, safely moving people from point-to-point. Linawin po natin na wala tayong intensyong i-discriminate ang two-wheel sa four-wheel na sasakyan,” Binay said.
Poe also said that once the bill becomes a law, this does not give a blanket authorization to motorcycle owners to register to app-based motorcycle services.
“Hindi porke’t may motorsiklo ka, may pagkakataon ka nang sumali sa kanila. ‘Yung simpleng pagsusuot nga ng helmet ay ‘di pa ginagawa ng marami,” said Poe.
Poe said she will await a full report from the Department of Transportation on the viability of motorcycles for public transport, especially as regards passenger protection and safety aspect.
“Ang kaligtasan ng mga kababayan ay dapat masiguro natin,” Poe said.
The House of Representatives approved House Bill 8959 on third and final reading before Congress went on recess last month.
