Riders’ Livelihoods Threatened by LTFRB Ruling on MOVE IT

Riders’ Livelihoods Threatened by LTFRB Ruling on MOVE IT

By TheNATIONWEEK.com News Desk | November 4, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a decision against the motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT PH, raising serious concerns from the riders’ group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG). The ruling limits MOVE IT to 17,746 authorized rider-partners, jeopardizing the livelihoods of tens of thousands of riders who rely on the platform for income.

According to the LTFRB, MOVE IT is authorized to operate with 17,746 rider-partners across Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City. However, company records show an active roster of 73,321 registered riders. This discrepancy has resulted in a hefty ₱555.75 million fine against MOVE IT for exceeding its authorized rider limit by 55,575 individuals.

Don Pangan, Secretary General of KAGULONG, expressed the organization’s alarm: “Our primary concern is the potential for MOVE IT to cease operations entirely due to this enormous fine. What future awaits the 73,000 riders whose livelihoods depend on their work with MOVE IT?”

Pangan further emphasized the precarious situation: “Even if MOVE IT absorbs the ruling and continues operating, 55,575 riders face immediate job insecurity. The new guidelines will enforce the existing rider cap, severely restricting the number of active riders on the platform.”

KAGULONG firmly asserts that riders should not be penalized for the platform’s alleged “overboarding.” The group insists that no rider should lose their source of income, warning that such job losses could lead to widespread hunger among thousands of families.

The organization also challenges the notion of “overboarding” as a problem. KAGULONG highlights that approximately 70% of Metro Manila’s population relies on public transportation. They argue that the current number of operating motorcycle taxi riders is insufficient to meet the surging demand for public transport services.

In light of these developments, KAGULONG is advocating for a thorough investigation into other Motorcycle Taxi Platform Providers (MTTPs). Pangan revealed, “We have received credible reports suggesting that JoyRide has exceeded its rider cap by 10,000, and Angkas by an alarming 50,000.” This raises concerns about systemic issues within the industry and the consistent enforcement of regulatory caps.

KAGULONG critically observes that the government’s approach prioritizes regulating the number of motorcycles and jobs rather than establishing robust labor standards and employment relations for riders across all platforms. The group argues that this oversight, coupled with a dysfunctional mass transportation system, rising cost of living, unemployment, the looming threat of Super El Niño, and a lack of government employment programs, places an undue burden on both riders and the commuting public.

The LTFRB’s decision and KAGULONG’s response underscore a growing crisis for the Philippines’ motorcycle taxi industry, demanding urgent attention to rider welfare, equitable regulation, and the nation’s critical transportation needs.

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