LIFESTYLE
| January 2, 2019
 |
| (Image Source: Angkas/Adobotech) |
More
than 15,000 people from different walks of life have gathered at the main stage
of the Quezon Memorial Circle on the night of December 22, 2018 for a free concert
which was graced by the likes of Nadine Lustre, Sam Concepcion, Ella Cruz, Quest,
Hale, Gab Valenciano, Ex Battalion, Shanti Dope and Andrew E., but it is more
than just a free concert as it was staged and organized by no less than the
Filipino-based ride hailing service Angkas as part of its continuing efforts to
gain support in light of the Supreme Court's issuance of a Temporary
Restraining Order (TRO) in favor of the Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Following
the highly-intriguing decision which was already featured in traditional and
online news outlets, Angkas has already gained support from no less than the
Filipino online community. With #SaveAngkas becoming a top trending topic on
social media, thousands of Filipino netizens were in favor of the ride hailing app's
continuing operations as well as the legitimate regulation of motorcycle taxis in the country considering
that it has been helpful in their commuting needs the moment they have
downloaded and installed the app on their smartphones. In fact, around 130,000
of them have signed an online petition via Change.org calling on the national
government to "Save Angkas" and regulate the operation of these innovative
marvels.
Through
its highly successful thanksgiving concert, Angkas has eventually received
tremendously overwhelming support from its users and patrons in attendance as
well as a various number of local celebrities and government officials through
a series of videos shown throughout the activity. Heck, even an alliance of organizations
supporting Filipino commuter welfare, the Mobility Coalition, is also throwing its
nod of support towards Angkas and the motorcycle taxis as an alternative public
transport option after expressing its disheartenment at the Supreme Court's
decision.
The
support that Angkas has gained over the past few months makes me realize that
the Filipinos' unprecdented call for the legitimate operation of motorcycle
taxis is making the LTFRB the biggest loser. The agency remains keen on its
stand that motorcycles are not fit for passenger transport due to safety issues
as well as its ignorance on Angkas' impressive safety record and precautions.
Otherwise, commuters are being forced to use underground habal-habal services roaming around the Metro which are riskier since
its bikers have no driver's licenses and lack of proper training in motorcycle
safety procedures and regulations.
