LTO-7 clarifies policy on ride-hailing apps

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has clarified that its recent enforcement drive is not a targeted campaign against Maxim riders but part of a broader crackdown on “colorum” or illegal transport services in the region.

The clarification came after Maxim drivers and members of PISTON Cebu staged a picket rally on Monday, September 15, outside the LTO-7 main office along N. Bacalso Avenue, denouncing what they described as “selective and unjust enforcement” of regulations.

LTO-7 Director Glen G. Galario said that only three motorcycle ride-hailing apps, Move It, Angkas, and JoyRide, are authorized under the government’s Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Study Program in Metro Cebu.

“We are not singling them out. We are only implementing the law. These are the only apps authorized to operate as part of the pilot study,” Galario said.

He explained that while Maxim is accredited for delivery services, it has no authority to ferry passengers.

Riders caught transporting commuters are considered operating illegally in violation of Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01.

Under the order, apprehended colorum motorcycles face a P6,000 fine, impoundment for at least three months, and confiscation of the driver’s license.

Galario said that its intensified operations are aligned with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with guidance from Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II.

Maxim drivers, however, earlier claimed they are bearing the brunt of LTO-7’s crackdown.

PISTON-Cebu chairperson Greg Perez said many drivers depend on the platform for their daily livelihood, and losing their motorcycles has left them unable to provide for their families.

Perez lamented that instead of allowing small livelihoods like motorcycle taxis to flourish, they are being harassed with impoundments and hefty fines, while taxpayers’ money is wasted on corruption in flood control projects, Perez said.

He added that Maxim drivers play a vital role in addressing Cebu’s transport shortage, especially after the jeepney phaseout displaced many drivers.

Protesters also questioned why Maxim operations are allowed in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Tagalog, but restricted in Cebu.

The drivers have launched a petition demanding the immediate release of impounded motorcycles, return of confiscated licenses, a stop to apprehensions against riders, and the removal of a deputized LTO agent, whom they accused of engaging in abusive apprehensions. — (FREEMAN)