Last week, the Supreme Court overruled a local Judge’s order which allowed Angkas to operate. (Read more about it here.) Netizens have spoken up in defense of the ruling, stating that they have a very high safety record and pointing out that it puts the livelihood of thousands of biker-partners at risk.
Just now, the Department of Transportation has sent us a press statement on the matter as follows:
The DOTr, LTFRB and LTO respectfully complied with the order of the LOWER COURT.
ANGKAS, on the other hand, continues to brazenly defy the order of the SUPREME COURT.LET’S THRESH IT OUT.The issue is not about the perpetual prohibition of motorcycles from serving as public transport.This is not about depriving the commuting public of an alternative mode of transportation.Instead, this is a matter of FOLLOWING THE ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT, the same kind of obedience demonstrated by the Government to the preliminary injunction of the LOWER COURT even if that order was not favorable to it.If Angkas wants to be heard, it should also learn to listen.Nothing good comes out of defying the law because THE LAW, WHILE EXISTING AND UNAMENDED, MUST BE RESPECTED AND FOLLOWED.As we comply with the law, let us work together to improve legislation in the country.WE ARE WILLING TO TALK. WE ARE WILLING LISTEN.Some points to consider: What must be the guidelines should Angkas be allowed to enter the ambit of public transportation? Should all types of motorcycles be permitted? What should be the minimum Cubic Centimeter (cc) capacity of motorcycles allowed; which ones should be prohibited? What must be the acceptable travel speed of motorcycles for hire? Should they be allowed on all roads, or must they be limited to secondary roads or areas not plied by large vehicles such as buses or trucks? Must there be a requirement on seats or helmets? What will be there training requirement for motorcycle riders to be granted franchises?Another integral aspect is safety. How do we ensure the safety of passengers? In the unfortunate instance of an accident involving a passenger, who will shoulder all the expenses? If the driver is injured or dies, what will be the motorcycle owner’s accountability?These details should all be thoroughly studied, and as such, the matter will not be resolved with Angkas’ continued flagrant defiance of the high court’s order.LET US NOT TEACH COMMUTERS OR BIKERS TO BE LAW BREAKERS.No society progresses, no order is achieved in the repeated and shameless defiance of the orders of the Judiciary.Let us respect our courts. Let us respect the law.
