During a hearing of the Committee on Metro Manila Development, Manila Third District Rep. Joel Chua delivered a resolute call for a moratorium on the expansion of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila.

Chua’s impassioned plea stemmed from what he called as “the detrimental effects of unchecked growth on traffic congestion and an increasing number of motorcycle road accidents in Metro Manila.”

He stressed that moves toward expansion should be considered outside of the Metro.

SUFFOCATING TRAFFIC

At the heart of Chua’s address was the pressing need to alleviate Metro Manila’s suffocating traffic. Employing the mantra “Walang Dagdag, Kung Walang Bawas” (“No Addition, If No Reduction”), he urged regulatory bodies—including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO)—to halt the proliferation of new MC Taxi players in Metro Manila.

“Every additional vehicle exacerbates our traffic crisis,” he emphasized, calling for an immediate cessation of expansion to prevent further gridlock.

Moreover, Chua sounded the alarm on the adverse impact of unchecked expansion on traditional transport sectors, such as jeepneys and tricycles.

He highlighted the indispensable role these modes of transportation play in the livelihoods of countless Filipinos, warning against policies that would undermine their viability.

PROTECT LIVELIHOOD

Chua reiterated there is a crucial need to protect the livelihood of those who have long served as the backbone of Metro Manila’s transportation network.

Representatives from the National Public Transport Coalition, Pasang Masda, Laban TNVS, Motorcycle Rights Organization, Digital Pinoys, and even some taxi drivers echoed the call of Chua to issue the moratorium on adding new MC taxi players to help decongest Metro Manila traffic, help improve their livelihood, and address various issues about the country’s motorcycle taxi industry.

“Kung papayagan po natin ng papayagan na dumami, hindi natin masusolusyunan yung traffic, hindi natin masusolusyunan yung puno’t-dulo ng mga aksidente,” said Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo.

Meanwhile, Laban TNVS President Jun de Leon shared, the expansion of MC Taxi players has greatly affected their livelihood, “Ang dami sa aming hanay ng TNVS na nag-aantay na lang ng booking ng pasahero sa ilalim ng puno ng manga. Ramdam na ramdam namin ang tumal ng pasahero.”

In advocating for a moratorium, Chua issued a stern rebuke against proposals that prioritize profit over the well-being of commuters and the preservation of traditional transport jobs. He called for a shift in focus towards supporting existing transport sectors, rather than introducing additional competition that would further erode their livelihoods.

The LTFRB said it will provide an answer regarding the suggested moratorium, as well as a position paper regarding the issues raised within seven days.