The Angkas Safety Fiesta brought together Angkas bikers and senatorial candidates from a variety of political parties to push for the welfare and protection of the 18-million-strong biker community.
The event in Cainta, which drew 3,000 bikes, also highlighted the pioneering ride-hailing service provider’s readiness to provide alternate transportation in the event that Metro Manila’s pre-pandemic gridlock returns following the lifting 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.
In 2016, Angkas paved the way for the motorbike taxi sector, providing legitimacy and professional regulation to tens of thousands of habal-habal riders who had previously been criminalized by the government. On a daily basis, motorcycle bikers face numerous problems, including a lack of bike-friendly infrastructure, livelihood benefits, and a proper framework to protect them from being treated as second-class citizens on the road. “The number of motorcyclists in the country is 18 million, which is three times the number of cars.” “Unfortunately, roadways are not designed with bikers in mind,” Royeca noted.
Chel Diokno, a senatoriable counsel for the Free Legal Service, backed this view, adding, “…the government’s transportation strategy should be about moving people, not cars.” The government has prioritized the construction of more roadways for vehicles, when we should be concentrating on how to get people where they need to go in the least amount of time. Motorcycles are ideal for this purpose. But, of course, we must also develop our public transportation infrastructure.”
Harry Roque, a former presidential spokesman and senatorial contender, believes that Angkas can help resuscitate the economy in the same way as Thailand’s bike counterpart has contributed to the country’s successful tourism industry: “Akong nakarating ng Bangkok, napakadaming beses akong nakarating ng Bangkok… Dahil sa Bangkok, ang kanilang counterpart na Angkas ang dahilan kung bakit sumigla ang Thailand’s tourism and economy.” (I’ve been to Bangkok several times… Angkas’ equivalent in Bangkok was the driving force behind Thailand’s economic and tourism revival.”)
JV Ejercito, a longstanding supporter of Angkas and a motorcycle enthusiast, confirmed Angkas’ benefits to the economy, directly addressing them: “…Kung wala kayo… malamang lalo nang bumagsak ang ating ekonomiya.” “Ang bumuhay sa ekonomiya ay ni-lockdown…at may-pandemiya.” (If you hadn’t been there, the economy could have taken a turn for the worse.) You are the ones who kept the economy afloat, particularly throughout the lockdowns and epidemic.”)
One of Angkas’ early roadblocks to widespread acceptance was the widespread belief that motorcycles are inherently dangerous. To combat this, Angkas offered free training to over 150,000 riders who applied, with 70% of them receiving it.
who all ended up failing. Despite millions of rides, the firm has retained a 99.997% safety record as a consequence of its stringent standards. This prompted the government to reconsider its position on motorcycles and contemplate legalizing the motorcycle taxi industry.
The Angkas business model’s success, combined with its strict safety training routine, has resulted in tens of thousands of new biker entrepreneurs earning at least PHP 1,500-2,000 per day or PHP 45k-60k per month, more than three times the minimum wage. Best of all, because they are self-employed, these motorcyclists have control over their working hours and can devote more time to other priorities, such as family.
“Today, an estimated 18 million motorcycle owners exist, with 99 percent of them being low-income earners and breadwinners,” Royeca explained. “Should they be granted sector status, they will undoubtedly be a formidable economic force that will sufficiently provide for their families while also helping to rebuild the economy by delivering incomparably energy and time-efficient mobility and logistics services,” says the report.
As the country advances past COVID-19 and into the rebuilding phase, motorcycles will continue to play an important role. Senator Sonny Trillanes, a hopeful returnee, remarked, “We’ll be more and more reliant on motorcycles for logistics.” It’s really convenient, and many people have discovered it. The paste cannot be returned to the tube. Because it is less expensive, it is for the welfare of society.”
“…’Yung presence ninyo, naiba ang landscape ng transportation sa Metro Manila pati na sa buong Pilipinas,” said former Philippine National Police (PNP) commander Guillermo Eleazar. (“Your presence altered Metro Manila’s and the country’s transportation landscapes”).
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is seeking re-election, has emphasized the importance of maintaining a regular dialogue with the motorbike entrepreneur sector in order to understand their needs and address them through suitable legislation: “Napakahalaga ng inyong boses para matukoy natin ano ang mga pangangailangan at problema,” says the narrator. “At paano ito maayos na batas maayos na batas maayos na batas maayos na batas maayos na batas
Motorcycle entrepreneurs proved beneficial to the economy in general, and to people’s daily lives in particular, during COVID-19. Even in the toughest lockdowns, motorcycles have been the very engine that has driven business. “They kept us afloat during the lockdowns,” former Ifugao governor and senatorial candidate Teddy Baguilat of the Liberal Party said.
Angkas bikers, in particular, have stepped up and become heroes, providing crucial services to individuals in need, supporting and collaborating with various government organizations, and ensuring that our frontline workers get to and from hospitals quickly and safely, often at considerable personal danger.
Senatorial candidate Dr. Minguita Padilla urged that motorcycle entrepreneurs use potentially life-saving applications: “Sa medical emergency. Ang mga ambulansya na stalled in traffic is nakikita niyo, but ang motorcycles pwedeng dumaan sa traffic. At ginagamit na sila sa ibang bansa, pang first-aid, pang mga emergency medical vehicles.” (We frequently see ambulances delayed in traffic during medical situations, whereas motorcycles can quickly navigate through traffic.) Motorcycles are already utilized as emergency medical vehicles in other nations.)
Spare part shortages for tricycle drivers’ motorcycles have become a concern, according to Baguilat: “We have to look into how we can manufacture locally made spare parts kung kakayanin (if possible).”
Senatoriable and actor Robin Padilla, who is also an avid rider and is running for Uniteam, stated that fuel prices are the main issue for bikers. “Mga ‘tol, isa lang ang ipapangako ko sa inyo,” he said, vowing to take action. Isa lang ‘tol pag ako pinagkatiwalaan ninyo na mailuklok niyo na maging senador at maging boses niyo. Ang pagawa ng pambansang gasolinahan tayo. “Hindi na dapat ‘yan i-tax ng gobyerno,” Ibig sabihin. (Brothers, I just have one pledge to make to you.) We will build a nationalized gasoline corporation if you elect me as your Senator and enable me to be your voice. This signifies that the government will not levy a tax on gasoline.)
“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.
Senator Win Gatchalian, represented by Jerry Esplana; Congresswoman Cristal Bagatsing of Manila City’s 5th District; Senatorial contenders John Castriciones, Samira Gutoc, Alex Lacson, Greco Belgica, Ariel Lim; and the Abante Pilipinas Party List were among those who spoke to the throng. Senatorial candidate Jopet Sison was also present. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva both sent supportive remarks.
