MANILA, Philippines— Motorcycle taxi riders’ group METRO has thrown its support behind Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s efforts to address regulatory issues in the motorcycle taxi industry, urging the government to protect riders’ livelihoods while pursuing the full legalization of motorcycle taxi services.

In a statement Wednesday, METRO representative Jayson Luna said the ongoing regulatory controversy should become an opportunity for the government to introduce long-term reforms, particularly in reviewing existing rider caps and establishing a fairer system of allocating riders among motorcycle taxi operators.

“Ang matagal na naming panawagan ay walang rider na dapat mawalan ng kabuhayan. Nagpapasalamat kami kay Sec. Vince Dizon sa pagbibigay-pansin sa isyung ito. Sana ang mga nangyari ay maging daan sa mas maayos na regulasyon, makatarungang rider allocations, at ganap na legalisasyon ng motorcycle taxi industry,” Luna said.

Luna said METRO had earlier raised the same concerns during a dialogue with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), emphasizing that ordinary riders should not lose their sources of income because of regulatory disputes involving motorcycle taxi operators.

The group urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB to reassess existing rider allocation limits using actual passenger demand, industry capacity, and prevailing transport conditions.

According to METRO, the government must ensure that regulations are transparent, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of both commuters and riders.

“Hindi dapat maparusahan ang mga ordinaryong rider dahil sa mga problemang wala silang kinalaman. Ang kailangan natin ay isang patas at permanenteng sistema na kumikilala sa motorcycle taxi bilang lehitimong hanapbuhay at mahalagang serbisyo sa publiko,” Luna said.

METRO also renewed its call for Congress and transport authorities to establish a permanent legal framework for motorcycle taxi operations, including clear safety standards, operator accountability, and the protection of sustainable livelihoods.

The group said the department’s regulatory initiatives should form part of broader industry reforms rather than merely address the immediate controversy.

“Para sa METRO, malinaw ang aming paninindigan: patas na regulasyon, kabuhayang protektado, at ganap na legalisasyon ng industriya ng motorcycle taxi,” Luna added.

METRO said it was prepared to continue discussions with the DOTr, LTFRB, Congress, and other stakeholders to help develop a regulatory framework that balances commuter safety, industry accountability, and riders’ economic security.