Angkas faces contempt for defying Supreme Court order

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle ride-hailing application Angkas stands to face a penalty for defying the Supreme Court (SC) order last week that again stopped its operations.

A court insider explained that Angkas operator DBDOYC Inc. could be held in contempt for defying the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the court that effectively halted its services and allowed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to proceed with its crackdown on the popular app-based service.

“LTFRB may file a motion for contempt against Angkas and the court may act on it,” suggested the source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authority to speak for the high tribunal.

George Royeca, Angkas head of regulatory and public affairs, reportedly said they would continue both their public transport operations and parcel delivery services since they have not been deemed illegal by any court.

“Let me reiterate that the TRO from the Supreme Court is about the injunction granted by the RTC. No decision on Angkas being legal or illegal,” he said in Filipino during a press briefing.

The TRO issued by the second division of the SC specifically enjoined the implementation of the writ of preliminary injunction issued by a Mandaluyong regional trial court last August that stopped the LTFRB from apprehending Angkas riders.

The same SC order required  DBDOYC Inc. to submit its comment to the petition of transport authorities within 10 days from notice.

In the assailed RTC order, the judge barred the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation from interfering with Angkas’ operations pending the hearing and resolution of DBDOYC Inc.’s petition for declaratory relief.

The court order also prohibited the apprehension of Angkas bikers when they are in “lawful pursuit of their work.”

The LTFRB stopped the operations of Angkas in November last year due to the lack of a franchise to operate.

It stressed that the operator should secure franchise from Congress to operate as a public utility vehicle under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.