Angkas gathers multi-party senatoriables in the Angkas Safety Fiesta

Angkas bikers and senatorial candidates from a wide range of political parties gathered in the Angkas Safety Fiesta to jointly push for the welfare and protection of the 18-million-strong biker community.

 

The Cainta-based event, which was packed by 3,000 bikers, also signaled the trailblazing ride-hailing service provider’s preparation to provide alternative transport due to the imminent return of pre-pandemic traffic in Metro Manila following the lowering of COVID-19 restrictions. 

 

 “An estimated 99% of motorcycle owners are low-income breadwinners. Motorcycles are at the center of their road to economic freedom and financial independence,” explained Angkas CEO George Royeca. “It is for this reason that we have invited candidates from every party. The welfare and livelihoods of 18 million Filipinos---and the families they support---are issues that cut through party divisions and affect all of us. Whatever your political inclinations are, we hope that 18 million kagulongs are part of the national agenda,” he added. 

Senatoriables, leaders, and the biker community support Angkas’ return to the streets in the recent Angkas Safety Fiesta. Uppermost row: Angkas CEO George Royeca and the bikers preparing to serve the public again. 2^nd upper row, from L: former Ifugao governor Teddy Baguilat; Sen. Risa Hontiveros; free legal service counsel Chel Diokno; and Sen. Sonny Trillanes. Middle row, from L: Actor Robin Padilla; former senator JV Ejercito; Atty. Greco Belgica, former head of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission; and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque. Lowest row, from L: Health advocate Dr. Minguita Padilla; former PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar; civic leader and women’s right advocate Samira Gutoc; and John Castriciones, former Secretary of Agrarian Reform. Bottom photo: An estimated 3,000 bikers came out in support. 

 

 

Angkas pioneered the motorcycle taxi industry in 2016 and gave the beginnings of legitimacy and professional regulation to tens and thousands of habal-habal riders who were previously criminalized by the government. Many challenges still face motorcycle bikers on a daily basis from lack of bike-friendly infrastructure, livelihood benefits, and the proper system to protect them from being regarded and treated as second-class citizens on the road. “There are 18 million bikers in the country, three times the number of cars. Unfortunately, roads are not optimized for bikers,” pointed out Royeca.

 

Free legal service counsel and senatoriable Chel Diokno supported this, saying that “...the transport policy of the government should be about moving people, not cars. The government has prioritized building more highways for cars, while we should be focusing more on how to move people to get where they need to get, in the shortest possible time. … Motorcycles are really suited to that role. But of course, we need to develop our mass transit system as well.”

 

Former presidential spokesman and senatorial candidate Harry Roque pointed out that Angkas can help revitalize the economy similar to the way that its bike counterpart in Thailand has been key to its thriving tourism industry:  “Napakadaming beses akong nakarating ng Bangkok … Dahil sa Bangkok ‘yung kanilang counterpart na Angkas ang dahilan kung bakit sumigla ang turismo at ekonomiya ng Thailand.” (I’ve visited Bangkok many times … In Bangkok, Angkas’ counterpart was the reason for the revitalization of Thailand’s economy and tourism.”)

 

Seeking a return to the Senate this year, JV Ejercito, a longtime supporter of Angkas and a biker himself, confirmed Angkas’ contributions to the economy, addressing them directly: “\...Kung wala kayo... malamang lalo nang bumagsak ang ating ekonomiya. Kayo ang bumuhay sa ekonomiya habang tayo ay ni-lockdown...at may-pandemiya.”  (If you weren’t around … the economy could have further deteriorated. You are the ones who kept the economy alive especially during the lockdowns and the pandemic.”)

 

Among Angkas’ first hurdles to wide acceptance was the common perception that motorcycles are inherently unsafe. To overcome this, Angkas provided free training for over 150,000 applicant bikers, 70% of whom actually failed. As a result of its uncompromising standards, the company has maintained a safety rating of 99.997% even after millions of rides. This convinced the government to take a second look at the motorcycle-riding sector and consider legitimizing the motorcycle taxi industry.

 

The success of the Angkas business model complemented by its strict safety training protocol has led to tens of thousands of new biker entrepreneurs who make at least PHP 1,500-2,000 a day or PHP 45k-60k monthly which is up to three times the minimum wage. Best of all, because they are entrepreneurs, these bikers control their working hours and have time for other important things such as family time. 

 

“Today, there are an estimated 18-million motorcycle owners, 99% of whom are low-income earners and breadwinners,” shared Royeca. “Should they be given legitimacy as a sector, they will certainly be a formidable economic force that will provide adequately for their families, as well as help revive the economy by providing incomparably energy and time-efficient mobility and logistics services,.”

 

Bikers’ roles remain as vital as the country moves past COVID-19 and on to the challenge of rebuilding. Hopeful returnee Senator Sonny Trillanes explained: “We will be more and more dependent on motorcycles for logistics. It’s very convenient, and people have discovered that convenience. You cannot put the paste back into the tube. It’s for the betterment of society, because it's less costly.” 

 

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar acknowledged Angkas’ accomplishment: “...’Yung presence ninyo, naiba ang landscape ng transportation sa Metro Manila pati na sa buong Pilipinas.”  (“Your presence changed the transportation landscape of Metro Manila, and the whole country’). 

 

Seeking re-election, Senator Risa Hontiveros cited the need to constantly dialog with the motorcycle entrepreneur sector to learn their needs, and address these in the form of appropriate legislation: “Napakahalaga ng inyong boses para matukoy natiin ano ang mga pangangailangan at problema. At paano ito matutugunan ng mga maayos na batas.”

 

In the time of COVID-19, motorcycle entrepreneurs proved invaluable to the economy in general, and in the day-to-day lives of people in particular. Motorcycles have been the very engine that has been driving commerce even in the strictest lockdowns. Former Ifugao governor and senatorial candidate Teddy Baguilat of the Liberal Party pointed out: “They kept us afloat during the lockdowns.” 

 

Angkas bikers in particular have stepped up and become heroes providing critical services to those who need them, supporting and partnering with different government agencies, and ensuring that our frontliners get fast and safe to the hospitals and back to their homes, often at great personal risk. 

 

Senatorial candidate Dr. Minguita Padilla suggested potentially life-saving applications for motorcycle entrepreneurs: “Sa medical emergencies. nakikita niyo ang mga ambulansya na stuck sa traffic pero angmotorcycles pwedeng dumaan sa traffic. At sa ibang bansa ay ginagamit na sila, pang first-aid, pang mgaemergency med vehicles.” (In medical emergencies we often see ambulances stuck in traffic, but motorbikes can easily get through traffic. In other countries, motorcycles are already used as emergency medical vehicles.)

 

Baguilat noted from conversations with tricycle drivers that spare part shortages for their motorbikes have become a problem: “We have to look into how we can manufacture locally made spare parts kung kakayanin (if possible).”

 

Senatoriable and actor Robin Padilla who is running for Uniteam and who is also an avid biker, pointed out that fuel prices are bikers’ biggest problem. He vowed to do something about it: “Mga ‘tol, isa lang ang ipapangako ko sa inyo. ‘Pag ako pinagkatiwalaan ninyo na mailuklok niyo na maging senador niyo at maging boses niyo, isa lang ‘tol. Gagawa tayo ng pambansang gasolinahan. Ibig sabihin hindi na dapat ‘yan i-tax ng gobyerno.” (Brothers, I have only one promise to you. If you trust me and elect me as your Senator, and allow me to act as your voice, we will establish a nationalized fuel company. This means fuel will not be taxed by the government.)

 

 “While our primary concern today is the welfare of 18 million motorcycle riders, we are by no means suggesting that they be given a handout,” emphasized Royeca. “For many logistical and mobility-related tasks, there is absolutely no substitute for motorcycles. They have always been and have become even more vital to commerce in the country.  Yet to this day, bikers are second-class citizens, both on the road and legally. Their livelihoods don’t enjoy protection from the law despite their significant economic contribution.” 

 

“To the 18 million people that are depending on two wheels for their livelihoods, we want you to have the proper representation and good champions who will really look at what you’re doing, how you can thrive, how you can be better, and also fight for your rights,” said Royeca, addressing the motorcycle-riding public. “At the end of the day yun lang po (that’s all we want), sana po hindi na po sila (that they no longer be) second-class citizens. Sana po hindi na po sila tignan bilang mga criminal (it would be good if they were no longer regarded as criminals). This is something that we will always be fighting for until we are able to establish that,” he concluded.

 

Other noteworthy candidates who addressed the crowd were Senator Win Gatchalian represented by Jerry Esplana; Congresswoman Cristal Bagatsing of Manila City’s 5^th District; Senatorial hopefuls John Castriciones, Samira Gutoc, Alex Lacson represented by wife Pia Lacson, Greco Belgica, Ariel Lim; and the Abante Pilipinas Party List. Senatorial Jopet Sison was also in attendance. Senatoriables Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva sent messages of support.

 

Angkas gets support from Senatoriables

I remember when I was still driving—way back during my college years when traffic—believe it or not--happened during rush hours.

But now traffic is becoming almost like those convenient stores operating almost 24/7 okay that’s a bit of an exaggeration—because the roads are still free from 1am till about 4am—in certain places.

And I don’t think even those new flyovers and “skyways” will provide a solution to our traffic problem.

Nowadays you have to allot a couple of hours if you are going to pass through EDSA and at least an hour to go anywhere else.

Don’t even get me started about commuting, because its one of the reasons why I quit the labor force and decided to work at home instead. Its either you get harassed and risk your sanity riding the MRT /”LRT or spend most of your salary on taxi’s and grab rides.

As for those UVs especially those old FXs, some are so worn down its like being in an oven toaster since their ACs are not working properly.  You'll get sick and its bad for your health.

The only comfortable way to commute is if you ride the P2P bus but what if you are in a real hurry and the only other option is to make “Angkas”

Too bad Angkas is still facing a lot of problems. 

I remember last year. I had a 6pm event. I took the mrt from Trinoma going to Ayala at exactly 4pm. I left the house in QC at 3pm. I alloted 3 hours just to get in time in BGC. When in Ayala, I looked for a "car pool" going to BGC in High Street. There were no transportation available that day because of traffic and it was December. Traffic was everywhere. Someone in the motorcycle lane in Ayala going to BGC, asked if I wanted to go fast my destination for only 15 minutes, I said yes. So there I was riding a habal and wearing a skirt. We took off and arrived just in time. I was 30 minutes late but was just relieved that I made it to that event. 

Angkas is a stress reliever to all the commuters everyday. The fare is reasonable and you can get in time for no less than an hour, just remember to wear your helmet properly and hold on to kuya driver.

Last week, I attended an Angkas Safety Fiesta event. Several senatorial candidates supported the event and pushed for the rights of  motorcycle riders.

In a rare event, several senatorial candidates from different political parties came together for the Angkas Safety Fiesta and collectively called for the resumption of the app-based ride-hailing service. 

Senatoriables Grace Poe, Bam Aquino, Chel Diokno, Bato dela Rosa, and JV Ejercito all graced the Safety Fiesta to support Angkas’ efforts to propagate the proper safety training of motorcycle riders in the Philippines.

The senatoriables were joined by Rep. Winston Castelo, the chair of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, and wife Councilor Precious Hipolito-Castelo.

In the event, the senatoriables and the other candidates agreed that it was high time for the government to implement the legalization and regulation of motorcycle taxis.

They also called for the resumption of Angkas’ operations, stressing that the non-action on the part of the concerned government agencies constitutes a continuing violation of motorcycle riders’ rights especially since Angkas has been providing a decent source of livelihood for thousands of motorcycle owners in the country, aside from helping Filipinos in their daily commuting woes.\

Senator Grace Poe, in her speech during the program, commended Angkas’ safety training while declaring that the ride-hailing service will help in addressing the country’s mass transport problems. “Ang totoo, ako ay saludo sa Angkas dahil binibigyan kayo ng proper training and guidance. Kailangan natin talaga ang iba’t-ibang pagkakataon at modes of transportation. May bus, may jeep, at may MRT, pero kulang pa,” the senator said.

“Pero ang aking tututukan ay dapat ligtas ang ating mga pasahero. Kaya ako ay nagpapasalamat sa Angkas dahil nagbibigay sila ng tamang training sa inyong lahat,” Sen. Poe added.

For his part, senatoriable Diokno said that he is pushing for the rights of motorcycle riders.

“Naiintidihan ko talaga yung pangangailangan na magkaroon tayo ng isang batas na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mga motorcycle riders na magkaroon ng hanapbuhay na legal, hanapbuhay na kinikilala ng batas,” Diokno said.

Senatorial candidate Bato dela Rosa, in his own talk, also told the participants of the Safety Fiesta that he will support motorcycle taxi regulation if he gets elected to the Senate. “Ako’y anak ng tricycle driver. Motorsiklo ang gamit ng tatay ko. Nagmomotor din ako, kaya kung ako ay manalo, susuportahan ko ang Angkas bill na pending sa Senado,” dela Rosa declared.

The Angkas Safety Fiesta is a series of events that aim to promote motorcycle road safety among Filipinos. The most recent event was held at Vertis North, Quezon City and featured a safety seminar, an earthquake response briefing, and preventive maintenance discussions—all presided by Angkas trainers. A free medical assistance booth was also set up for the attendees of the event.

Performing during the event were Andrew E, Dante Gulapa, Mateo Guidicelli, Mayonnaise, Allmost, D&G, and Trix the Angkas Rapper. The program was hosted by DJ Laila.

In his speech, Senator Bam Aquino acknowledged the motorcycle riders’ need to seek a decent livelihood with the motorcycles that they own. “Lahat tayo na gustong maghanapbuhay, gustong magnegosyo ay hindi dapat pinipigilan,” Sen. Aquino stressed.

“Mahalaga na mabigyang suporta po natin yung ating mga sektor na naghahanap ng tulong upang makapaghanapbuhay para sa ating pamilya,” he added.

Sen. Aquino also commended Angkas for helping motorcycle riders in many ways. “Yung Angkas po, maganda yung kanilang framework, maganda yung kanilang app, marami pong natutulungan. Gaya po ninyo na puwede pong maghanapbuhay gamit ang inyong mga motor, at the same time nagbibigay ng mga leksiyon at lecture tungkol sa safety at security ninyo,” Sen. Aquino noted.

Administration senatorial candidate JV Ejercito, who is a motorcycle enthusiast himself, also expressed his support for the regulation of Angkas, reiterating that he has a pending bill in Congress that addresses the regulation issues of motorcycle taxis.

Rep. Winston Castelo echoed the other guests’ sentiments as he vowed to push for the legalization and regulation of motorcycle taxis. “Bigyan natin ng hanapbuhay ang taumbayan. Kaya ako po ay nagfile ng bill sa Kongreso and I am happy to announce, and I am proud to tell you that it has been approved,” Rep. Castelo revealed. “Hindi tayo papayag na mahirapang muli ang taumbayan. Hindi tayo papayag na hindi kayo mabigyan ng oportunidad na magkaroon ng hanapbuhay,” he added.

Angkas Head of Regulation and Public Affairs George Royeca, in turn, spoke on behalf of the ride-sharing service. “It has been our advocacy in Angkas to promote road safety consciousness among the motorcycle riders of the country,” Royeca stressed. “This is why we have been holding the Safety Fiesta in order to make as many motorcycle riders aware of the need to ride safely every single time and propagate the knowledge of how to ride motorcycles as safely as they can,” he added.