Motorcycle taxi riders are welcoming short-term government financial assistance as fuel prices climb, but industry leaders say lasting protection will only come through legislation that secures their livelihoods.
The Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines, led by chairman Romeo Maglunsod, expressed appreciation for the P5,000 subsidy granted to riders hit hard by surging fuel costs. The aid, he said, provides immediate relief to workers whose margins have been squeezed, with fuel now consuming nearly half of daily earnings.
“For many riders, almost half of their daily income is already spent on fuel, and the P5,000 assistance is a big help,” Maglunsod said, noting the role of government support in stabilizing household finances amid volatile pump prices.
Still, the group stressed that subsidies are only a temporary fix. Without structural reforms, riders remain vulnerable to market swings and uncertain working conditions. The organization is calling on lawmakers to fast-track a dedicated motorcycle taxi law that formally recognizes the sector and provides safeguards for its workforce.
Maglunsod pointed to the nearly decade-long pilot run of motorcycle taxi services as proof of their viability and importance. He argued that legislation should guarantee flexibility, income security, and fair competition, while allowing riders to operate across platforms without restrictive arrangements.
The group is also advocating for a model that grants direct accreditation to individual riders, similar to transport network vehicle services, giving them greater autonomy over their earnings and work conditions.
Riders say their role in urban mobility is indispensable, helping millions of Filipinos commute efficiently to jobs, schools, hospitals, and other essential destinations.
