ILOILO City – A young woman’s crash on an unregulated motorcycle taxi has exploded online, forcing city officials and regulators to confront what many commuters already know: the illegal two-wheel rides plying Iloilo’s streets are a disaster waiting to happen.
Under existing anti-colorum laws, according to Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Transportation, motorcycle taxis have no legal basis to operate.
“We don’t have authority to regulate them to give them authority for public transport. But they are covered by our ordinances and laws against colorum. So their current operation is illegal and they may be apprehended. More so if they get into accidents,” Cabaluna said.
Victims will not be left without recourse, he added.
“If the post of the victim is true, the motorcycle driver cannot escape responsibility. We are ready to help if she wants to bring the driver to legal process,” Cabaluna added, vowing to coordinate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The controversy was ignited by a Facebook post from a call center agent who said a “Drop Off Riders Iloilo 24/7” driver insisted on continuing a trip despite a punctured tire, which later caused a crash.
“NO ACCOUNTABILITY. For awareness, to the customers of Drop Off Riders Iloilo 24/7, you will not be compensated by them if you get into an accident,” she wrote.
She added, “My head was slammed and I cannot move my right arm and leg,” and alleged the rider failed to meet her at the police station as promised, saying, “He stood me up.”
The driver later issued an apology but denied abandoning her.
“Sorry if we got into an accident, ma’am. I didn’t know you would go to the police station right away. We are willing to help you. Don’t make it appear on social media as if you were abandoned,” he said, adding that his tire had sealant and he believed the motorcycle was safe.
“Yes, we both got into an accident, not just you. But why bring it to this extent, when I am also a rider trying to make a living?” he stressed.
LTO Region 6 has since issued a show-cause order, citing reckless driving and colorum operation.
Penalties include fines of P2,000 and P6,000 respectively, possible three-month impoundment of the motorcycle, and sanctions against the rider’s license./PN
