With only a few days before Christmas, motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas said about 17,000 of its riders will lose their jobs next year after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) capped its number of riders.
This was done to accommodate two new operators — JoyRide and Move It — who will be competing with Angkas in its extended pilot run next year.
Each transport network company (TNC) were allowed only 10,000 riders for Metro Manila and 3,000 riders for Metro Cebu, bringing the total allotted cap of registered riders to 39,000.
In a statement released on Saturday, Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said this will make it more difficult for commuters to book Angkas rides in the future.
He also said capping Angkas’ riders from 27,000 to 10,000 will be “a compromise to the quality of service” they offer and “a direct blow” to the families of 17,000 riders who may be sacked.
“Your everyday heroes in traffic will enter this Christmas season not knowing whether they will have money to feed their families next year,” Royeca said.
Royeca called on netizens to help them in spreading the word about the LTFRB’s ruling.
“Now, at our time of need, we humbly ask that you share this message and help our bikers keep their jobs. Help us #SaveAngkas so we and our bikers can help save you again every day,” he added.
Angkas will be holding a unity gathering at the EDSA Kalayaan Shrine on Sunday at 7 a.m. Thousands of Angkas riders, passengers, and transport and commuter advocates are expected to participate in the event. (Minka S. Tiangco)
