Angkas to continue operations despite SC ruling

By CNN Philippines Staff

Motorcycle ride-hailing app Angkas plans to continue offering its services to commuters despite the Supreme Court (SC) temporary restraining order (TRO) on its operations.

The group said it viewed the SC order as referring to a local court injunction that bared the government from interfering with its operations.

“‘Yung temporary restraining order po galing sa korte suprema ay para po dun sa(Mandaluyong) injunction, so we are asked to file (for) comments,” George Royeca, Angkas head of public and regulatory affairs, said Friday.

[Translation: The temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court is actually for the (Mandaluyong preliminary) injunction, so we are asked to file (for) comments.]

The high court on Wednesday granted transport authorities’ petition for a TRO on the Mandaluyong court’s decision allowing Angkas to operate last September.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board then issued a resolution to immediately implement the SC ruling.

The resolution ordered transport officials and agencies to immediately apprehend Angkas motorcycles found operating on the streets.

But Royeca said the Angkas management is ready to provide support – even shoulder expenses – of its biker-partners who might be caught.

“Kung ano pong kailangan nating gawin para mailigtas yung ating biker, gagawin po natin, basta po nasa batas.” he added.

[Translation: We will need to do whatever we need to save our bikers-as long as it is within the law.]

The company is facing a rough ride ahead as authorities vowed to impound operating motorcycles.

Communications Director Goddes Libiran of the Transportation Department said Angkas should respect the SC decision– the same way the department respected the preliminary injunction granted by the local court.

“Huwag sana nilang turuan ang mamamayan na maging suwail sa batas,” Libiran said.

[Translation: I hope they’re not teaching the Filipinos to not follow the law.]

Angkas was first shut down in November 2017 for lack of official business permits. The Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court in September then issued a preliminary injunction, which allowed Angkas bikers to resume their services.

Transport officials and Angkas meanwhile said they are open to dialogue and consultation on improving road and transport conditions, as well as reviewing a law that bans motorcycles from taking passengers.