Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1991 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In most provinces, especially in far-flung areas, “habal-habal” serves as the most 
convenient mode of transportation. It is an informal, unregulated, and often modified 
motorcycle taxi service that allows passengers to travel to their destination. In urban areas, 
motorcycles-for-hire, typically booked through digital applications, are now integrated into our 
public transportation landscape. It is a more affordable and convenient option to navigate the 
narrow and crowded streets of the Metro.1 
In 2019, a motorcycle taxi pilot study was conducted to assess the safety and viability 
of using motorcycles as a mode of public transportation, which was participated by Angkas, 
Joyride, and Grab-led Move It. In 2024, four more transport network companies (TNCs) were 
allowed to operate, namely Taxsee, Para Xpress, Dingdong PH, and Grab. On average, TNCs 
cater to around 370,000 commuters daily in the country, showing its significant contribution to 
providing alternative modes of transportation to the public. Further, the study showed that if 
stringent regulations and comprehensive rider training are implemented, motorcycles-for-hire 
can be a safe and reliable option for the riding public.2 
Section 9, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The State shall promote a 
just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation 
and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, 
promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.” As 
transportation plays a crucial role in our country’s economic development and public welfare, 
institutionalizing mechanisms aimed at uplifting the quality of life is imperative, especially 
mobility. In accordance with this constitutional mandate, this bill seeks to: 
●
Provide a clear definition to motorcycles-for-hire, the process of their registration,
and the required specifications and standards.
●
Identify the process and requirements of acquiring a franchise to operate a
motorcycle-for-hire, the qualifications of riders, and its accreditation requirements.
●
Lay down policies on fare setting of operators and the motorcycle taxi platform
providers (MTPPs), processing of personal data, as well as liabilities in cases of
death, injuries, and damage to properties.
1 Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2024, September 24). Habal-Habal, Xpress Motorcycle Taxi & House Bill 10424. Inquirer Business.
https://business.inquirer.net/475678/habal-habal-xpress-motorcyle-taxi-house-bill-10424 
2 Philippines. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. (2024, May 29). LTFRB technical working group finds 
motorcycle taxis safe as public transport. GMA Integrated News. 
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908400/ltfrb-twg-study-okays-motorcycle-taxis-as-public-transport/story/ 
July 16, 2025
11:25 am


●
Require MTPPs to establish a quick response team to provide immediate medical
care to any person injured who acquired its services through its digital platform.
●
Enjoin the Land Transportation Office, local government units, and other relevant
agencies in the strict implementation and compliance with traffic rules and
regulations, particularly on carrying capacity and speed limits.
This proposed measure was approved on third and final reading by the House of 
Representatives in the 19th Congress, showing the immense support of the legislators.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1991
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
AN ACT REGULATING THE OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLES-FOR-HIRE AND 
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:   
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Motorcycles-for-Hire Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the importance of transportation 
in economic development. The recent innovations in technology have opened an opportunity 
for other modes of public conveyance, such as motorcycles-for-hire, to thrive as a reliable and 
accessible mode of transportation. However, despite its promise of convenience and fast 
service, it must be regulated to ensure that the interest of the general public is protected. Thus, 
the State shall allow the regulated operation of motorcycles-for-hire to provide the public with 
an additional mode of public transportation, which is sufficient, safe, secure, and economical. 
To this end, the State shall establish mechanisms and guidelines in regulating all the 
operational aspects of motorcycles-for-hire.   
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a) Digital platform refers to an information and communications technology-enabled
mechanism that connects and integrates producers and users in online environments
where goods and services are requested, developed, and sold, and data is generated
and exchanged;
(b) Motorcycle refers to any two (2)-wheeled motor vehicle without appendages;
(c) Motorcycle-for-hire refers to a motorcycle, duly registered as such under this Act, and
used to carry passengers or goods on a for-hire basis, offering its services to the public.
A motorcycle-for-hire shall be considered a public utility vehicle and its operation a
public utility;
(d) Motorcycle taxi platform provider (MTPP) refers to an entity that provides pre-arranged
transportation services for compensation using a digital platform to connect clients with
riders to facilitate a contract of carriage of persons using a motorcycle-for-hire;


(e) Multi-homing refers to an approach where an operator may accredit a particular 
motorcycle-for-hire to more than one digital platform providers in delivering transport 
services;  
 
(f) Online E-commerce platform provider (OEPP) refers to an entity that provides pre-
arranged transportation services for compensation using a digital platform to connect 
clients with transport services to facilitate a contract of carriage of goods, including 
carriage of goods over goods sold on said digital platform;  
 
(g) Operator refers to the person in whose name the motorcycle-for-hire is registered;  
 
(h) Parcel means a package or rectangular box, the dimension and weight of which is as 
specified in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act, containing goods or 
some form of transportable property intended for delivery to an addressee prominently 
displayed on at least one (1) of its sides; and  
 
(i) Rider refers to the driver of the motorcycle-for-hire. 
 
SECTION 4. Scope and Application. – This Act shall apply to all aspects of the operation of 
motorcycles used as a common carrier for the transportation of passengers or goods. For this 
purpose, goods shall include parcels and mail. This Act shall not apply to motorcycles directly 
owned by entities and used exclusively in the line of business for the delivery of goods and 
other services.  
 
SECTION 5. Motorcycles-For-Hire as Common Carriers. – The operation of motorcycles-
for-hire is imbued with public interest. As such, the same shall be governed by the applicable 
provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations 
on common carriers, particularly on the required degree of diligence to be observed in the 
course of transporting passengers or goods, and on the presumption of culpability in case of 
breach of a contract of carriage.  MTPPs and OEPPs should exercise extraordinary diligence 
in the accreditation and supervision of motorcycle-for-hire operators and riders operating 
under their platforms.   
 
SECTION 6. Registration of Motorcycles-For-Hire. – A motorcycle intended to be used as 
a motorcycle-for-hire must be duly registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in 
accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 7 of this Act. The LTO shall ensure the 
roadworthiness of all motorcycles-for-hire before their registration, or any renewal thereof.   
 
SECTION 7. Standards and Specifications of Motorcycles-For-Hire. – The Department of 
Transportation (DOTr), upon the recommendation of the  Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI), Department of Environment and  Natural Resources, LTO and Land Transportation 
Franchising and  Regulatory Board (LTFRB), shall prescribe in the implementing rules and 
regulations the standards and specifications of motorcycles that may be allowed to operate as 
motorcycles-for-hire, taking into consideration the safety of the passengers and riders and the 
protection of goods. 
 
No modifications shall be made on any motorcycles-for-hire, except for the installation 
of the appropriate accessories, such as motorcycle bracket, top box, luggage carrier, 
saddlebag, step board or foot rest, crash guards, speed limiter or monitoring devices, in 
accordance with the standards approved by the DTI, if applicable, and shall be used as 
reference by the LTO for registration purposes. In case the DTI has no approved standards, 
the LTO, upon consultation and agreement with all stakeholders, shall prescribe the same, 
taking into consideration road worthiness and road safety, until such time the DTI has issued 
appropriate standards.  
 


Within five (5) years upon the enactment of this Act, the DTI shall ensure the availability 
of standards of all products and parts covered by this Act and its implementing rules and 
regulations, and its future amendments or revisions.   
 
SECTION 8. Authority to Grant Franchise to Operate Motorcycles-For-Hire. – The 
franchising or grant of authority to operate motorcycles-for-hire shall be as follows:  
 
(a) Motorcycles-for-Hire Under MTPPs. – In areas with an existing and operating MTPPs, 
the authority and regulation of the operation of motorcycles-for-hire is vested in the 
LTFRB through a franchise or certificate of public convenience (CPC). The LTFRB 
shall set forth in the franchise the terms and conditions to be observed in the operation 
of motorcycles-for-hire. In determining the number of franchises to be issued, the 
LTFRB shall take into consideration the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) 
or studies approved by the DOTr and their impact on the other modes of public 
transportation. The franchise fee shall be determined by the LTFRB after public 
consultation and shall only be implemented upon the approval of the DOTr. 
 
(b) Motorcycles-for-Hire in Areas Without an Operating MTPP or OEPP. – The authority 
and regulation of the operation of motorcycles-for-hire in areas without an operating 
MTPP or OEPP is vested in the LTFRB. The number of routes or motorcycles-for-hire 
that may be allowed to operate shall be determined in accordance with the LPTRP as 
recommended by the local government unit (LGU) concerned.   
 
The LTFRB shall provide uniform guidelines as to the standards of operation 
of motorcycles-for-hire in consultation with the LGUs and stakeholders.   
 
(c) Motorcycles-for-Hire Operating Under an OEPP. – Motorcycles-for-Hire operating 
under an OEPP shall be regulated by the LTFRB in accordance with its mandate to 
issue CPC, subject to compliance with the requirements provided under the applicable 
provisions of this Act.  
 
SECTION 9. Requirements for the Grant of a Franchise or Certificate of Public 
Convenience. – A CPC shall only be issued to an operator upon submission or determination 
of the presence of the following requirements:  
 
(a) Proof of Filipino citizenship;  
 
(b) Financial capacity, the standard of which to be determined by the LTFRB;  
 
(c) Certificate of Registration duly issued by the LTO; 
 
(d) Insurance coverage for the death of or injuries suffered by the rider, passenger or any 
third party or damage to property by reason or on occasion of its operation; and  
 
(e) Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Registration as Common Carrier issued by 
the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), if applicable. No operator shall operate more 
than one (1) franchise nor operate more than one (1) motorcycle-for-hire in a franchise.  
 
SECTION 10. Qualifications of Motorcycles-For-Hire Riders. – The LTO shall promulgate 
the necessary guidelines setting forth the requirements for the issuance of a professional 
driver’s license, including the content of or the conduct of theoretical and practical 
examinations, appropriate for the operation of a motorcycle-for-hire. Only riders possessing a 
professional driver’s license shall be allowed to operate motorcycles-for-hire. The MTPPs and 
OEPPs shall provide and conduct a continuing safety training seminar for riders operating 
under their respective platforms: Provided, That for motorcycle-for-hire riders operating 


outside the digital platform providers, the conduct of the continuing safety training seminar 
shall be conducted by the LTO.   
 
SECTION 11. Accreditation Requirements of MTPPs. – A MTPP or OEPP must be duly 
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).   
 
A MTPP or OEPP, as far as the operation of motorcycles-for-hire is concerned, before 
being allowed to operate as such, must comply with the accreditation requirement of the 
LTFRB. The DTI, LTFRB and Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT) shall jointly issue the guidelines that shall govern the operations of MTPPs and OEPPs.   
 
MTPPs and OEPPs must possess and maintain the following minimum requirements 
for its accreditation:   
 
(a) Financial capacity, the standard of which is to be determined in the joint guidelines;  
 
(b) SEC registration;   
 
(c) BIR Tax Identification Number;   
 
(d) An established Road Crash Quick Response System; and   
 
(e) Capability to evaluate and determine the competence of riders through an established 
training center, duly certified by the LTO and the Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA). The LTFRB may, as a requirement for renewal of 
accreditation, consider the previous safety record of the MTPP as certified by the LTO 
during the effectivity of its accreditation being applied for renewal.  
 
SECTION 12. Operation of Motorcycles-For-Hire. – Motorcycles-for-hire may be allowed to 
operate using the digital platforms or on designated areas of operation. To maximize their 
operation, motorcycles-for-hire shall not be bound by a single MTPP or OEPP but shall be 
allowed to adopt a multi-homing approach within a particular area of operation under the given 
franchise, license or accreditation: Provided, That multi-homing operation shall be limited to 
two (2) digital platforms but in no case shall a motorcycle-for-hire be allowed multi-homing 
operation alternately between two (2) MTPPs or two (2) OEPPs: Provided, further, That a 
motorcycle-for hire accredited under any MTPP or OEPP platform may not be allowed to 
operate as motorcycle-for-hire without using such platform.  
 
Except for private use, any operation of a motorcycle-for-hire in areas with operating 
MTPP or OEPP outside the digital platform shall be considered colorum and, therefore, illegal.   
 
For purposes of multi-homing operation of motorcycles-for-hire, the platform providers 
may not refuse an application for accreditation solely on the ground that an operator or rider 
is accredited to another platform provider.  
 
A motorcycle-for-hire may be allowed to carry, alternately, both passengers or goods. 
 
The maximum number of hours that a rider may operate a motorcycle for-hire shall be 
specified in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.  
 
Motorcycles-for-hire shall operate at speeds allowable under Republic Act (RA) No. 
4136, otherwise known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code,” as amended, local 
ordinances, and other applicable laws: Provided, That in no case shall a motorcycle-for-hire 
operate beyond sixty kilometers per hour (60kph). 
 


SECTION 13. Fare Setting. – The fares, surcharges, and other transportation fees that may 
be charged by operators and MTPPs under which they operate for motorcycles-for-hire 
services shall be in accordance with the fare structure and within the parameters determined, 
prescribed, and issued by the LTFRB, in consultation with the motorcycle-for-hire industry 
stakeholders. The fare structure shall take into consideration supply and demand components 
and shall allow dynamic pricing on account of market variations based on location and time. 
The fare structure shall also include the maximum percentage that can be charged by the 
MTPPs upon the operators or riders for a particular transaction. The LTFRB shall periodically 
review the fare structure and parameters of determining the applicable fares. The booking 
system of MTPPs shall feature a mechanism that enables clients to compare the 
transportation costs charged by each of the available digital platforms.   
 
In the case of motorcycles-for-hire operating outside the digital platforms, the fare shall 
be determined by the LTFRB, after a public consultation with LGUs, the operators, and other 
stakeholders.  
 
SECTION 14. Processing of Personal Data. – Any processing, collection, use and/or storage 
of personal information and sensitive personal information involved in the registration/ 
accreditation of motorcycles-for-hire, digital bookings, and other requirements under this Act 
shall be made in accordance with the provisions of RA No. 10173, otherwise known as the 
“Data Privacy Act of 2012.”  
 
SECTION 15. Liabilities for Death, Injuries, or Damage to Property. – The operator and/or 
the MTPP or OEPP providing the digital platform at the time when the death, injury or damage 
to property occurred in the course of operating a motorcycle-for-hire shall be jointly and 
solidarily liable, with rights of subrogation against any party at fault: Provided, That the liability 
of the MTPP or OEPP shall not exceed the amount of the insurance coverage of the operator. 
 
MTPPs and OEPPs shall be responsible for the insurance coverage of all its accredited 
riders. The MTPP or OEPP shall likewise be responsible for the procurement of Personal 
Passenger Accident Insurance for the protection of the passengers and/or goods, and, Third 
Party Liability insurance to cover for damages caused to any third party in the course of 
operation of motorcycles-for-hire.   
 
SECTION 16. Road Crash Quick Response System. – Each MTPP or OEPP shall establish 
a quick response team to provide immediate medical care or bring any person injured by the 
operation of the motorcycle-for-hire booked through its digital platform to the nearest hospital 
or medical facility. A function that will allow the rider or passenger to alert the quick response 
team during an emergency or road crash shall be part of the booking app options of the digital 
platforms. When necessary, the MTPP or OEPP shall advance any amount necessary for the 
admission of such injured person or persons to the hospital or medical facility up to the insured 
amount.  
 
SECTION 17. Enforcement. – To ensure the safe and secure operation of motorcycle-for-
hire, the LTO shall deputize LGUs and other relevant government agencies to assist in the 
enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, and to monitor strict compliance with the 
provisions of this Act, particularly, on the observance of carrying capacity and speed limits. 
The LTO shall establish a centralized database to ensure the accurate recording of violations 
and road crashes involving motorcycles-for-hire for the purpose of applying the penalties as 
well as other sanctions under this Act. It shall publish quarterly and annual reports of such 
data on its website, which shall be accessible to the public.  
 
Consistent with its mandate under RA No. 7924, entitled “An Act Creating The 
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Defining Its Powers And Function, Providing 
Funds Therefor And Other Purposes,” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority 


(MMDA) shall continue to exercise its traffic enforcement functions within Metro Manila in 
furtherance of this Act. 
 
All violations related to the terms and conditions of the franchise shall be endorsed by 
the LTO enforcement officers, deputized LGU enforcers, and  MMDA personnel to the LTFRB 
for appropriate action.   
 
The foregoing shall not preclude the MTPPs or OEPPs from exercising the power to 
impose sanctions such as suspension or blacklisting of their riders or operators on account of 
violation of internal rules made known to the latter, acts detrimental to safety and security and 
other reasonable or valid grounds.   
 
SECTION 18. Penalties. –   
 
(a) Any rider who operates a motorcycle-for-hire in violation of traffic rules and regulations, 
carrying capacity, and licensing requirements shall suffer the maximum penalty 
imposed under the applicable law, ordinance, rule or regulation for such violation. In 
addition, the LTO shall impose a penalty of suspension or revocation of the driver’s 
license of an erring rider commensurate to the gravity of the offense and frequency of 
commission. The table of penalties shall be included in the implementing rules and 
regulations of this Act. 
 
(b) An operator who allows a rider who does not possess a valid Professional Driver’s 
License to operate a motorcycle-for-hire shall, in addition to penalties under existing 
laws and regulations, suffer a penalty of suspension or revocation of franchise, after 
due notice and hearing.  
 
(c) The penal provisions of RA No. 7394, otherwise known as the “Consumer Act of the 
Philippines,” RA No. 11967 or the “Internet Transactions Act of 2023,” and RA No. 
10173, when applicable, shall apply for acts or omissions committed in the course of 
motorcycle-for-hire operation. 
 
SECTION 19. Travel Demand and Operational Data. – To assist the DOTr in transportation 
planning and management, the MTPPs and OEPPs shall, not later than thirty (30) calendar 
days after the end of every year, submit to the DOTr their travel demand and operational data. 
 
SECTION 20. Transitory Provision. – In order to provide a smooth transition in the full 
implementation of this Act, the authority and accreditation granted to existing MTPPs, OEPPs, 
and operators shall continue to be effective until their expiration or six (6) months from the 
promulgation of the implementing rules and regulations of this Act,  whichever comes later.   
 
SECTION 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90)  days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DOTr shall, in coordination with the LTFRB, LTO, DTI, DICT, BIR, 
TESDA, Department of Health,  Department of the Interior and Local Government, MMDA, 
and Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, and in consultation with stakeholders, 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the implementation of this Act.   
 
SECTION 22. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this  Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid 
and subsisting.   
 
SECTION 23. Repealing Clause. – All provisions of laws, decrees, executive orders, 
presidential issuances and other administrative rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which 
are incompatible or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, 
or modified accordingly.   


 
SECTION 24. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,