Platform CEO cannot represent app workers—riders’ group

The riders’ rights group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) lambasted the claim of Angkas CEO George Royeca that he can represent app riders and informal workers as a partylist nominee. “There is an inherent conflict of interest between employers and their workers. Di na kailangang i-memorize yan. Employers want to maximize profit while workers desire better wages. We see this in the case of platform riders who frequently complain of arbitrary cuts by apps in their income share even as the companies continue raking in profits,” asserted Don Pangan, Kagulong secretary-general.

 

Royeca filed his candidacy as first nominee of the Angkasangga partylist group which professes to be an organization for informal workers. In 2010, the COMELEC disqualified the first two nominees of Angkasangga, a businessman and an ex-mayor, because they are not from any marginalized groups.

 

Pangan added that “Royeca contends that among his advocacies for running as partylist nominee is the formalization of informal workers. He does not have to be a partylist congressman to lead in this advocacy. As Angkas CEO, all he has to do is to transform their app riders from so-called freelancers to regular employees so they can enjoy the protection of labor standards and workers rights. This is the very definition of formalizing the informal sector—having them covered with the benefits of social protection which in our system is tied to the employment relationship.”

 

“We challenge Royeca to put his money where his mouth is. Stop misclassifying Angkas riders as independent contractors. Recognize them as regular workers and extend to them social protection, labor standards and workers’ rights,” Pangan explained.

 

Kagulong also observed that the glitzy and expensive launch of Angkasangga already reveals how the partylist group truly does not represent informal workers who are the most vulnerable section of the working class.

 

Kagulong has been conducting voters’ education among its members and the broader riders’ community. “We call on riders to be critical of the election candidates. Kilatisin ang plataporma, huwag papadala sa porma at pera ang aming panawagan sa mga botante at sa mga kapwa riders,” Pangan ended.

October 9, 2024

Kagulong

Riders Call for De-escalation and Demilitarization of the West Philippine Sea

In a unified call for peace and freedom, hundreds of motorcycle riders participated in a "Freedom Ride" on Independence Day, urging China to abandon its illegal claims over the entire West Philippine Sea (WPS). The riders also appealed to other superpowers to cease militarizing the already tense region.

 

The "Freedom Ride," organized by Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG), Riders Pilipinas, and Partido Manggagawa (PM), aimed to protest China's expansive claims over the South China Sea (SCS) and the WPS. The event also sought to promote peace amid escalating tensions between global powers.

 

Motorcycle riders from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales converged at their respective meeting points before heading to the beach area facing the West Philippine Sea in Candelaria, Zambales.

 

"We do not want the conflict in the West Philippine Sea to escalate into a war due to territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions between powerful nations. We seek freedom, justice, and peace in the area for Filipinos and neighboring countries with territorial claims in these waters," stated KAGULONG Secretary General Don Pangan.

 

KAGULONG emphasized that demilitarization is crucial for easing tensions and preventing conflict in these waters. However, China, the US, and other military powers like France, the UK, Australia, and Japan must commit to this effort to avoid military confrontations.

 

"Both China and the US-led military alliance should withdraw and refrain from militarizing these waters to allow our fishermen the freedom to fish, enable the Philippines to protect its sovereignty, and develop its exclusive economic zones independently, without bowing to foreign powers, whether they are new or former colonizers," added Pangan.

 

The group stressed the importance of transforming the region into a zone of peace and neutrality, rather than a battleground for superpowers.

 

KAGULONG President Robert Perillo explained that many motorcycle riders are engaged in delivery services, transporting both foreign and local products. Any disruption in trade, such as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, affects them due to high fuel prices and economic instability.

 

Partido Manggagawa reminded the public of the Philippines' historical involvement in global wars, such as the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, due to its colonization by Spain and the US, and occupation by Japan.

 

"War is a lose-lose proposition. Peace is easier for Filipinos to achieve than getting trapped into a war not of its own making," stated PM.

Kagulong

June 12, 2024

Media Advisory: All systems go for Freedom Ride tomorrow from Manila to Candelaria, Zambales

 MEDIA ADVISORY

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong

KAGULONG

11 June 2024

 

Request for Coverage

 

Tomorrow, the riders’ rights group, Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong or Kagulong, together with several riders clubs from NCR and Central Luzon along with other allied organizations, will be holding a “Freedom Ride” in time for the commemoration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2024.

The last meet up point of riders from NCR, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and from other towns of Zambales, around 9:00 AM, will be at the Zambales Capitol in Iba. After that they will drive towards the beach area of Brgy. Dampay in Candelaria for the main program.

 

--------------------------

For inquiries you may contact Mr. Don Pangan @ 09687104349; Viber # 09176300034.  

See details below:

More riders joining “Freedom Ride” tomorrow

More motorcycle riders from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales are set to join the “Freedom Ride” tomorrow, Independence Day, to protest China's expansive claims over the South China Sea (SCS) and the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and to promote peace amid the escalating tension between the superpowers in the region.

 

Riders from Metro Manila will start hitting the road from Makati as early as midnight tonight to link up with riders from Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales at their respective meet up points.

 

The destination will be the town of Candelaria, Zambales, as the original plan of holding it in Masinloc did not materialize because the mayor refused to grant a permit for the event.

 

The “Freedom Ride” is organized by Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG), Riders Pilipinas, along with Partido Manggagawa (PM).

 

“We do not want the conflict in the West Philippine Sea to escalate into a war due to geopolitical tensions between powerful nations. We seek freedom, justice, and peace in the area for Filipinos and neighboring countries with territorial claims in these waters,” stated Kagulong Secretary General Don Pangan.

 

Kagulong insists that demilitarization is the key to easing tensions and preventing war in these waters. However, both China and the US, along with other military powers like France, the UK, Australia, and Japan, must commit to this.

 

“Both China and the US-led military alliance should withdraw from these waters to allow our fishermen the freedom to fish, enable the Philippines to protect its sovereignty, and develop its exclusive economic zones independently, without bowing to foreign powers, whether they are new or former colonizers,” added Pangan.

 

He emphasized that it would be better for this region to become a zone of peace and neutrality, rather than a new battleground for super powers, which everyone fears.

 

Kagulong President Robert Perillo explained that many motorcycle riders are currently engaged in delivery services, transporting both foreign and local products. Any disruption in trade, such as the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, affects them due to high fuel prices and economic disruptions.

 

Partido Manggagawa on its part reminded the public of the Philippines' involuntary involvement in global wars such as the Spanish-American War and World War I, due to its long colonization by Spain and the US, and during World War II when Japan occupied the country.

 

“War is a lose-lose proposition. Peace is easier for Filipinos to achieve than getting trapped into a war not of its own making,” stated PM. 

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong

(KAGULONG)

June 11, 2024

Riders to Hold “Freedom Ride” on Independence Day

 

Motorcycle riders are set to conduct a “Freedom Ride” on Independence Day, June 12, 2024. This event is organized by Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG) in collaboration with various riders' groups from Central Luzon and the National Capital Region. Also joining are members of Partido Manggagawa (PM).

 

Instead of heading to Masinloc, the riders from NCR, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales will proceed to Candelaria, as the Mayor of Masinloc did not grant a permit for the event.

 

More and more riders' clubs have expressed their intention to join the Freedom Ride to protest China's claims over the South China Sea (SCS) and the West Philippine Sea (WPS). These claims have negatively impacted the livelihoods of local fishermen and have heightened tensions due to the militarization of these waters, involving various foreign powers.

 

“We do not want the conflict in the West Philippine Sea to escalate into a war due to geopolitical tensions between powerful nations. We seek freedom, justice, and peace in the area for Filipinos and neighboring countries with territorial claims in these waters,” stated KAGULONG Secretary General Don Pangan.

 

KAGULONG insists that demilitarization is the key to easing tensions and preventing war in these waters. However, both China and the US, along with other military powers like France, the UK, Australia, and Japan, must commit to this.

 

“Both China and the US should withdraw from these waters to allow our fishermen the freedom to fish, enable the Philippines to protect its sovereignty, and develop its exclusive economic zones independently, without bowing to foreign powers, whether they are new or former colonizers,” added Pangan.

 

He emphasized that it would be better for this region to become a zone of peace and neutrality, rather than a new battleground, which everyone fears.

 

Kagulong President Robert Perillo explained that many motorcycle riders are currently engaged in delivery services, transporting both foreign and local products. Any disruption in trade, such as the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, affects them due to high fuel prices and trade delays.

 

Partido Manggagawa on its part reminded the public of the Philippines' involvement in imperialist wars like the Spanish-American War and World War I, due to its long colonization by Spain and the US, and during World War II when Japan occupied the country.

 

“Peace is easier for Filipinos to achieve than get trapped into a war not of its own making,” stated PM. 

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG)

June 10, 2024

Focus on Amending the 'Doble-Plaka' Law, Not the Constitution – Rider Groups Assert

 

Rider groups, on Sunday, embarked for another Unity Ride from the Commission of Human Rights to the People Power Monument. Their aim: to oppose efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, arguing that the time and resources allocated by Congress to this effort would be better directed towards passing legislation that safeguards and promotes the interests of marginalized communities, including riders.

 

Representatives from Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) and other rider groups participating in the protest emphasized the importance of addressing proposed changes to RA 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, commonly known as the ‘Doble-Plaka’ law. This law is resented strongly by the motorcycle riding community prior and until its enactment in March 2019, prompting former President Rodrigo Duterte to temporarily suspend its implementation.

 

“The distraction posed by charter change (cha-cha) efforts could potentially impede the much-needed amendments to the Doble-Plaka law, especially with the attention of lawmakers divided between the people's initiative and the upcoming 2025 national and local elections,” Kagulong emphasized in a statement to the media.

 

Senator JV Ejercito, a rider himself and a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, joined the Unity Ride in solidarity with the riders as he, along with his fellow senators, opposed the House-led people's initiative (PI).

 

Senator JV Ejercito is also the principal author of Senate Bill 159 which seeks amendments to the Doble-Plaka law.

 

Kagulong highlighted the riders' demand for amendments to the oppressive penalties imposed against violators of this law (ranging from P50,000 – P100,000 with imprisonment), as well as the discriminatory aspects of the Doble-Plaka policy to motorcycle riders compared to other vehicle owners.

 

In addition to advocating for changes to the 'Doble-Plaka' law, riders are also pushing for the passage of several bills aimed at recognizing and protecting the rights of platform workers, including delivery riders who often face job insecurity and lack social security coverage.

 

Measures legalizing the operations of motorcycle taxis are also awaiting consideration in Congress.

 

"These are the urgent issues that concern riders. There is nothing about cha-cha in our agenda," Kagulong concluded.

Videos can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/videos/707444054777286

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG)

11 February 2024

Riders group call for dialogue on fuel subsidy

 

The riders’ advocacy group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) called on the government to hold a social dialogue with riders engaged in ride-hailing, food delivery and courier services for the provision of fuel subsidies. “We are asking the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to meet with riders in order to clarify its plan to distribute fuel subsidies. Riders shoulder the weekly gasoline price increases and thus deserve ayuda,” said Don Pangan, Kagulong secretary-general.

 

He also added that the group is supporting the call of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan for the temporary suspension of the excise taxes on oil products to reduce pump prices. The suspension is provided for under the TRAIN law but subject to certain conditions. “We believe that the extreme difficulties brought about by the weekly oil price increases for more than two months already are more than enough as supervening conditions for the suspension of excise taxes. This will benefit jeepney drivers and operators, app riders, farmers and fishers principally and the rest of the people too as oil prices impact the whole economy,” Pangan explained.

 

He added that while it welcomes the DoTr announcement that people engaged in full-time ride-hailing and delivery services are entitled to the fuel subsidy, there is no transparency in the plan. “In the first place, the DoTr does not know if the registered motorcycle owner is using his or her vehicle for platform work. Not even the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is aware of this due to the informal nature of the freelancer or independent contractor relationship,” Pangan explained.

 

“Only the apps know who their riders are. But a social dialogue should involve all stakeholders, thus riders should have voice and participation,” Pangan insisted.

 

The group averred that if riders were treated as employees not freelancers then ayuda provision would be much easier, similar to how workers were granted ayuda under CAMP or SBWS. The employment status of riders has been the subject of controversy, even sparking protests amidst the pandemic and prompting the DOLE to issue an “advisory” on the issue.

 

Kagulong earlier lambasted the DOLE advisory as “inutile” since it did not clarify the employment status of riders. “We reiterate our call for the DOLE to convene a technical working group (TWG) with riders and other freelancers. The TWG formation was a commitment of the DOLE in the 2021 labor summit meetings with workers and employers. Sadly, this is another broken promise of this administration.”

 

Kagulong is actively supporting the tandem of Vice President Robredo and Senator Pangilinan for their commitment to the riders’ agenda and track record of participatory good governance. “Aangat ang buhay ng riders sa isang gobyernong tapat sa partisipasyon ng nasa laylayan sa pamamahala,” Pangan concluded.

Photos of riders call for fuel subsidy can be accessed here:

https://www.facebook.com/kagulong2020/posts/488947976127043

March 1, 2022

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong

Covenant signing between riders’ group KAGULONG and national candidates

Media Advisory

February 5, 2022

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong)

Contact Don Pangan @ 09176300034

 

 

WHEN: Feb. 6, 8am-11am

 

WHERE: Bantayog ng mga Bayani, QC

 

Program

-National Anthem

-Prayer

-Opening Remarks and Background Discussion of the Covenant - Don Pangan Kagulong Sec. Gen

-Affirmation and Acceptance of the Covenant - Riders Champion

 VP Leni - Video Message

 Sen Kiko Pangilinan (Video Message)

 Neri Colmenares (attending)

 Teddy Baguilat (Video Message)

 Sen. Leila De Lima -represented by Atty. Dino De Leon

 Sen. Risa Hontiveros (Video Message)

 Sen. Alex Lacson (attending)

 Atty. Sonny Matula (attending)

 Sen. Antonio Trillanes - Represented by Cong. Cash Cabochan (MAGDALO Partylist)

 Sen. JV Ejercito

 

-Signing of the Covenant

-Closing Remarks/Call to Action - Robert Perillo Vice President (KAGULONG) and President Bulacan Motorcycle Riders Confederation (BMRF)

Riders group welcomes motorcycles-for-hire bill

Photo by Aris Ilagan

The riders’ rights group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) welcomed the passage of a bill regulating motorcycles-for-hire at the House of Representatives. House Bill No. 10571 or the “Motorcycles-for-Hire Act” was approved yesterday. A counterpart bill by the Senate had earlier been passed. The step would be a bicameral session to reconcile the two versions.

 

“We welcome the legalization and regulation of moto-taxis as it will promote and protect the livelihood of many of our fellow riders along with commuters. We call on the Senate and the House to expedite the bicam version and ensure that riders’ rights are protected as well,” stated Don Pangan, Kagulong secretary-general.

 

The legalization of motorcycles-for-hire or moto-taxis is among the priority agenda of Kagulong along with the repeal of the Doble Plaka Law, and protection for delivery and courier riders. Kagulong’s priority agenda has already received the support of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Panglinan and other senatorial candidates.

 

Kagulong pledged to monitor the bicam deliberations on the regulation of moto-taxis to guarantee no provisions denigrating the rights and welfare of riders are introduced. Most of Kagulong members are workers using motorcycles as means of mobility or riders engaged in the various apps. In November 2020, the group led some 700 Foodpanda riders in a protest that ended at the Department of Labor and Employment in Manila to seek redress of grievances over reduced pay and opaque rules.

 

The group is encouraging the formation of riders’ cooperatives which will operate as moto-taxi platforms. “We call on our fellow riders to unite for the fight to promote both our rights and our livelihood,” Pangan averred.

February 1, 2022

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong)

Riders group slams DOLE advisory on food delivery and courier work

The motorcycle riders’ rights group Kapatiran ng Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) criticized the recently released labor advisory by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on food delivery and courier work. “The DOLE is engaged in smoke and mirrors. It pretends to do something in the face of platform work disputes when it actually is not resolving anything by issuing a useless advisory,” argued Don Pangan, Kagulong secretary-general.

 

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello signed Labor Advisory 14 entitled “Working Conditions of Delivery Riders in Food Delivery and Courier Activities” on July 23 but it was posted on the DOLE website only last July 27.

 

“The DOLE avers in the advisory that food delivery riders are protected by labor law and their contracts. On the contrary, the advisory affirms what presently exists—that the majority if not almost all food delivery riders are considered independent contractors and thus at the mercy of opaque app policies and algorithms,” Pangan insisted.

 

He added that “The ongoing dispute of Foodpanda delivery riders in Davao emphasizes precisely this point—food delivery riders are not protected by labor law since they are deemed freelancers despite the app controlling the means and methods of how they work.”

 

Kagulong calls on the DOLE to immediately implement its commitment “To convene a Technical Working Group (TWG) represented by rider’s groups, trade unions, worker’s organizations and concerned government agencies to start the research and investigation that would lead to creating policy standards to protect the gig workers,” Pangan recalled. This commitment was the result of the pre-Labor Day summits called by the DOLE as part of drafting the National Economic Recovery Strategy.

 

Pangan also clarified that the labor dispute of the Davao Foodpanda riders remains unresolved as the company did not attend the mediation meeting called by the DOLE last Monday. The DOLE later admitted that Foodpanda refuses to attend tripartite meetings and will only meet riders on a bilateral basis.

 

“Pasaway ang Foodpanda. Divide and rule ang taktika nila. It clearly does not want to be covered by the labor law so that it can do anything that it pleases—like suspending riders for 10 years and reducing their pay unilaterally. In the face of this intransigence by Foodpanda, the DOLE lies prostrate even though it has the power to issue a Department Order to clarify and resolve such workplace grievances,” Pangan stated. 

Kapatiran ng Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong)

July 29, 2021

Motorcycle riders, motorists call for suspension of PMVIC operations

Up against the implementation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspections Centers (PMVIC), the riders’ group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG) together with other vehicle owners held a motorcade Tuesday, asking for the suspension of operations of this new and highly controversial system of vehicle inspection and registration.

 

Kagulong members who assembled early morning at the University of the Philippines (UP) ran their motorcade to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Quezon City where they handed their letter of opposition and demand for public consultations to LTO chief Edgar Galvante. From the LTO the motorcade moved to the Senate where a public hearing on PMVIC is being held.

 

Joining Kagulong in the protest action were riders’ groups and other motorists majority of whom are workers from the transport sector, and Partido Manggagawa (PM).

 

In a statement Kagulong said their opposition to PMVIC stem from the lack of transparency, oppressive rates, and the outsourcing of this comprehensive inspection system to private players.

 

“Today, due to lack of transparency, nobody knows whether the system is principally for the interest of road safety, for revenue generation on the side of government, or to providing new opportunities for private business amid the pandemic,” said Kagulong’s spokesman Robert Perillo, as mounting complaints of excessive rates in the inspection and re-inspection process are reported in many areas where the PMVIC is initially rolled out by LTO through the private inspection centers.

 

Reports gathered by Kagulong said the rates for inspection and reinspection range from high to exorbitant as penalties are charged for every failed test on various levels. The group said the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and LTO should have conducted public consultations first before coming out with a new program that imposes additional and unexplained costs to vehicle owners.

 

According to field reports, the LTO is now charging a 4-wheel vehicle P1,800 for inspection and another P900 for reinspection once the vehicle failed the test. For motorcycle, inspection fee is P600 and P300 for reinspection. All test is being conducted by accredited private inspection centers. Prior to this, inspections are done through the LTO’s Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS).

 

“Mabigat sa bulsa ang bayaring ito sa isang ordinaryong mga manggagawa na kumikita lamang ng wala pang P600 sa isang araw. Hindi ito makatarungan lalo pa at ang MVIS ay dapat serbisyong ibinibigay ng gubyerno upang masegurong ligtas ang mga sasakyang gagamitin sa mga lansangan.” Dagdag pa niya.

 

Kagulong argued that instead of outsourcing the MVIS, the LTO should just have upgraded its own system as this is what owners of vehicles are charged for every year under the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) or what is known as Road User’s Tax.

 

“Saan ba napupunta ang bilyones na pondo sa road users’ tax na ito,” asked Perillo about this fund that has always been hounded by controversies.  

Photo can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/kagulong2020/posts/221902242831619

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG)

9 February 2021