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Antihero Angkas’ bumpy ride up the Philippines’ motorbike-taxi mountain

Congested roads and the impending legalisation of the motorbike taxi industry should be great news for six-year-old Angkas. But the floodgates are now opening, with super apps like Grab likely to enter

Isabel Martinez, 28 Apr 2022

After years of trying to shut down Angkas, the Philippines government is set to legalise motorbike taxis

Angkas is a crowd favourite, thanks to a savvy social media strategy and attractive driver perks. But it’s set to get more competition

US$40 billion-valued super app Grab could finally enter the market after two unsuccessful attempts in the last six years

Angkas will have to play to its strengths if it wants to maintain the lead in the motorcycle-hailing market. Its training school could be the key

A lot is riding on House Bill No. 10572 in the Philippines. Legislators expect President Rodrigo Duterte to sign off on it and turn it into law before he leaves office in June. Once it’s passed, the law will finally end a cat-and-mouse game that has been going on for six years now.

House Bill No. 10572 seeks to amend the Republic Act 4136, under which motorbike taxi services are illegal in the Philippines. This is because of safety concerns related to motorcycles, which are open vehicles, along with other factors like drunk driving, non-use of helmets, and adverse road conditions.

AUTHOR

Isabel Martinez

Isa is based in Manila. She covers Southeast Asia's and the Philippines' media, employment and work, policy and investments, and other sectors reshaping consumer life.

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