Digital Pinoys, a network of digital advocates, has expressed grave concern over the Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Program Technical Working Group’s (TWG) abrupt reversal of sanctions previously imposed on Grab-owned motorcycle taxi firm Move It.
Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo described the TWG’s August 8, 2025 decision as a complete turnaround from its own April 30 ruling, which had found Move It guilty of exceeding its rider cap and operating without authority in several cities.
“This decision is deeply troubling. The TWG’s own findings confirmed multiple violations— malinaw na ngang may colorum —yet instead of penalizing a company that clearly violated the rules on onboarding, the TWG tolerated, condoned, and allowed the over-boarding of riders to continue. This is not just a reversal; it’s a green light for non-compliance,” Gustilo said.
He added that the manner in which the ruling was made raises serious questions about fairness and transparency.
“Even more unacceptable is that Digital Pinoys, the original complainant, was neither informed nor allowed to participate in any hearing on Move It’s motion for reconsideration. We will exhaust all legal remedies to protect the integrity of the pilot program.”
Gustilo stressed that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent—rewarding those who break the rules while discouraging those who comply.
“Overboarding is not a harmless technicality—it’s a direct safety hazard. Every unregulated rider on the road increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. We cannot ignore the lives already lost and the limbs already broken. Road safety must remain the priority.”
An Urgent Appeal to Secretary Vince Dizon
Gustilo emphasized that this ruling comes at a decisive moment for newly appointed DOTR Secretary Vince Dizon, who has consistently placed road safety and responsible transport governance at the core of his public commitments.
“We strongly appeal to Secretary Dizon to urgently review this decision. His leadership is crucial in ensuring that safety, fairness, and accountability remain at the heart of our transport policy. This is the time to send a clear message—that no company, regardless of size or ownership, is above the law, and that the welfare of commuters and riders will always come first.”
He also called out the notion that big operators can bypass enforcement simply because of their corporate backing.
“Hindi ibig sabihin na Grab o Move It ka, malaking kumpanya ka, ay exempted ka na sa enforcement. Buhay at kaligtasan ng commuters ang nakataya dito.”
Digital Pinoys urges the DOTR to carefully re-examine the TWG’s ruling, reinstate sanctions where warranted, and uphold the integrity of the motorcycle taxi pilot program.
“If we are truly committed to safer roads and fair enforcement, this ruling cannot stand,” Gustilo concluded.
