RIDER GROUPS SEEK FAIRNESS AS GOVERNMENT REVIEWS MOVE IT APPEAL

MANILA, Philippines— Two of the country's largest motorcycle rider groups urged the government to consider not just legal technicalities but also the human toll of its decisions as the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MCT-TWG) deliberates on Move It's appeal to reverse an order slashing its rider fleet by half.

The appeal, filed by Move It, seeks to recall the TWG's April 2025 directive that would sideline some 14,000 riders operating in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, a move the company claims was made without due process and based on outdated data.

"This isn't just about numbers. These are fathers, brothers, breadwinners. These are real people with real families to support," said Andie Delos Santos, spokesman for the United Motorcycle Community. "We're asking the government to do not just what's legal, but what's right."

Rider groups warned that the TWG's decision could deepen unemployment in the transport sector and worsen mobility woes for thousands of commuters.

Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community, said Move It riders have long felt targeted by "noisy" advocacy groups. "It's always Move It under fire," he said. "Groups like Digital Pinoys are quick to criticize, but they don't see the impact on our lives."

"If we lose our jobs, will they feed our families? Will they pay our children's tuition?" Maglunsod asked. "Clearly not. It's easy to attack when you're not the one paying the price."

Delos Santos pointed out that the stakes extend beyond rider livelihoods, warning that limiting Move It's operations would further strain a public transportation system already in crisis.

"For every Move It rider forced off the road, that's one less option for a commuter desperate to get to work or home on time," he said. "We're part of the solution — not the problem."

2025-06-10T12:15:37Z