LTFRB Move It Rider Cap Ruling Remains Pending as 73,000 Riders Face Uncertainty

 

The regulatory dispute involving motorcycle taxi platform Move It remains unresolved, with thousands of riders concerned about the future of their livelihoods as the government enforces limits on the number of drivers allowed to operate.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified that its ruling against Move It over alleged violations of the motorcycle taxi rider cap is not yet final. The agency confirmed that the platform has filed a motion for reconsideration, meaning the case remains under legal review.

The LTFRB previously investigated allegations that Move It registered more motorcycle taxi riders on its platform than the number permitted under existing regulations.

Despite the pending proceedings, the controversy has raised concerns among transport organizations about potential job losses and the availability of motorcycle taxi services.

Thousands of Riders Could Lose Their Source of Income

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) warned that the regulatory action could put the livelihoods of tens of thousands of motorcycle taxi riders at risk.

According to its secretary general, Don Pangan, approximately 73,000 riders currently depend on Move It for their income. He cautioned that the company could consider shutting down if the financial consequences of the ruling become too burdensome.

Even if Move It continues operating and complies with the LTFRB decision, Kagulong estimates that 55,575 riders could be left without opportunities to work under the platform.

This is because the existing rider ceiling would restrict Move It's operating pool to 17,746 riders under the current implementing guidelines.

Kagulong argued that restricting the number of motorcycle taxi riders could further strain public transportation, particularly in Metro Manila, where the group estimates that around 70 percent of residents depend on public transport.

The organization maintained that the existing motorcycle taxi workforce remains insufficient to accommodate passenger demand.

It also urged regulators to examine whether other motorcycle taxi platform providers are complying with their respective rider limits. Pangan cited reports alleging that JoyRide exceeded its cap by 10,000 riders and Angkas by 50,000, calling for an investigation into both platforms.

Transport Groups Question Rider Deactivations

Laban TNVS also criticized the reported deactivation of Move It riders following alleged violations of the regulatory cap.

Its president, Jun de Leon, said motorcycle taxi driving has become an important source of income for Filipinos who have limited employment alternatives. He pointed out that riders already contend with platform commissions and unpredictable daily earnings.

De Leon argued that removing riders from the platform should not automatically become the solution to a regulatory compliance issue.

He called for clearer explanations and alternative arrangements that would allow affected drivers to continue earning while the company addresses the regulator's requirements.

The LTFRB, meanwhile, acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing affected riders, particularly those who invested their personal resources in joining the platform and believed they were operating within established regulations.

The agency said it remains focused on addressing the concerns of riders affected by the alleged overboarding.

Move It Says Operations Continue

Move It general manager Wayne Jacinto assured passengers and riders that the platform continues to operate despite the regulatory dispute.

In a video statement, Jacinto said the company remains in discussions with the LTFRB to protect rider livelihoods and maintain service availability.

He maintained that Move It has been following regulatory requirements and that its rider recruitment process responds to actual passenger demand.

Jacinto identified a key disagreement over how the rider cap, originally established in 2019, should be interpreted.

According to him, regulators consider the cap a fixed number that should remain unchanged. Move It, however, believes the limit should apply to the number of riders simultaneously active on the platform rather than the total number of registered riders.

Under this interpretation, the company could maintain a larger pool of registered drivers while ensuring that only the permitted number operates online at any given time.

Jacinto said this approach would help accommodate fluctuating passenger demand, particularly during rush hours, when the need for additional motorcycle taxi services increases.

He also emphasized the need for permanent legislation governing motorcycle taxi operations to resolve regulatory uncertainties affecting both platforms and riders.

Lawmakers Urged to Pass Motorcycle Taxi Bill

The ongoing dispute has renewed calls for Congress to establish a comprehensive legal framework for motorcycle taxi services.

Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of the 1-Rider party-list urged members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to prioritize the passage of the Motorcycle Taxi Bill.

The proposed legislation aims to establish clear and permanent rules for the industry, providing greater legal certainty for motorcycle taxi operators and protection for their riders.

Its passage could address longstanding regulatory questions, including rider limits and the operating conditions of motorcycle taxi platforms.

For now, the future of thousands of Move It riders remains tied to the outcome of the pending reconsideration proceedings and the government's approach to regulating an industry that has become an increasingly important part of urban transportation.