A network of digital advocates urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and the Department of Transportation to implement the order of the Motorcycle Taxi technical working group against Grab-owned motorcycle taxi firm Move It.
In a press conference held today, Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that Move It’s defiance of government regulatory mechanisms is putting more lives at stake and the government must act now before more lives are lost.
“Because of Move It’s refusal to comply to regulatory mechanisms, many riders and passengers from Move It have figured in numerous accidents, some which are fatal. With their desire to dominate the motorcycle taxi industry, shortcuts were taken to expedite compliance to mechanisms that ensure safety such as the mandatory skills assessment and training. This is not just mere non-compliance. This is them mocking the lives of the commuters, as if it is no value to them.”
Move It was recently found to be violating the rules set by the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG) after onboarding beyond their allocation. Instead of attending the hearing set by the TWG to defend itself and the riders, Move It skipped the hearing—and continues to onboard more riders despite the clear ban.
“They ignored the process, and now they are crying foul. But the real victims here are the commuting public who face danger every time they ride a colorum motorcycle. And we have seen the numbers. We have seen the crashes. We have seen the deaths. Colorum operations like this are not just illegal—they are deadly,” Gustilo added.
Gustilo also told Move It to stop dragging their riders and the commuters from this issue as the motorcycle taxi firm is the party at fault for this mess.
“We strongly condemn the continued deception of Move It. Move It should stop using their riders and the commuters as weapons and shields in their desire to skirt regulatory mechanisms and corrective actions. The rules are there not as mere suggestions but a central pillar for the operations of motorcycle taxis.”
Gustilo also urged DOTR Secretary Vince Dizon to act decisively and enforce LTFRB’s order without delay, as their aggressive push to expand Move It’s fleet has already led to poor rider screening and training — a shortcut that already cost lives.
“The truth is in the toll: accidents, threats, and even deaths. All of which are symptoms of a system built on shortcuts, not safety. As fellow road safety advocates, we cannot remain silent. We stand with the riding public and demand accountability before more lives are lost.”
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