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

Workers group slam billionaire app owner running as partylist nominee

 

The workers group Partido Manggagawa (PM) slammed the owner of the platform app Angkas who is running as the first nominee of the Ang Kasangga partylist. “How can a billionaire like George Royeca represent ordinary app riders? This is another Mikey Arroyo, son of then President Gloria Arroyo, who ran as nominee of a fake security guards partylist group. Royeca is a poster boy for the undermining of the partylist system as a reform measure,” asserted Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary general.

 

She added that riders have been misclassified as freelancers by platforms and as a result have been denied the protection of labor standards and social security. “Riders have been organizing against abuses by platforms such as arbitrary cuts in pay. How can Royeca speak and fight for riders’ rights and welfare when he owns the app?,” Miranda averred.

 

According to the COMELEC, 73 partylist groups have filed their certificates of nomination and acceptance. But more are expected as 170 partylist groups have been accredited by the COMELEC.

 

“The Constitution provides for the partylist system as a mechanism for representation of marginalized groups such as workers who traditionally have been excluded from Congress as a result of elite domination of politics. Unfortunately, fake partylist groups, like Ang Kasangga of the Angkas CEO, have provided a backdoor for trapos and capitalists to enter the House of Representative. They have squeezed out legitimate partylist organizations truly representing workers and other basic sectors,” Miranda explained.

 

Ang Kasangga first ran in 2010 ostensibly as a partylist of small entrepreneurs but the COMELEC disqualified its first two nominees—a businessman and a former mayor—for not belonging to a marginalized group. In the same election, Mikey Arroyo won as security guards partylist representative.

 

PM was among the second batch of partylist groups which successfully put leaders of marginalized groups into the House of Representatives. Rene Magtubo, a factory worker and union president, sat as PM partylist representative for two terms until 2007.

Miranda called on app riders to reject Ang Kasangga and instead vote for partylist groups which truly represent workers and other underrepresented groups. 

October 7, 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 demand ayuda ahead of SONA

 

The riders’ rights group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) asked the government for a package of social assistance for the so-called “bagong bayani” ahead of the first SONA of President Bongbong Marcos.

 

Kagulong held a pre-SONA online gathering yesterday were riders aired their grievances and tabled a set of demands. The group plans to join the alternative SONA mobilization of civil society groups on Monday.

 

“Protection of riders’ rights, livelihood and safety are the three main issue facing the riding community. These can be addressed by the new government through legislation or executive action,” stated Don Pangan Kagulong secretary-general.

 

He explained that the incomes of food delivery, courier and motorcycle taxi riders have been severely affected by rising prices of gasoline. As independent contractors, fuel costs as well as vehicle maintenance are shouldered by riders and not the apps.

 

“When gas prices were around P60 per liter, riders spent P200 to P300 for travelling for 8 to 10 hour a day. Now that gas costs P70 to P80 per liter, fuel expenses have risen to P300 to P400 but gross incomes have remained the same. So, a rider earning P800 daily gets to take home only P500 today instead of P600 or more previously. This net income is now below the minimum wage. Riders are falling into the ranks of the working poor. Thus, the urgency of the demand for subsidized fuel and basic goods,” Pangan elaborated.

 

He added “In addition, riders set aside P50 daily for vehicle maintenance and P100 to P150 weekly (P150/7 days = P21.42) for their cellphone load. This just leaves P428.58 as the take-home pay of a rider. If the spouse also works as a rider, the aggregate household income comes up to only a little more than P800 daily which falls short of the P1,300 cost of living estimate of Partido Manggagawa. No wonder that if riders fall sick or meet an accident then they plunge into debt given that they have no social protection as self-employed workers. Therefore, we demand recognition as employees with labor rights and social security.”

 

Kagulong is also asking Congress to repeal the Doble Plaka law for being discriminatory to riders and authorities for better enforcement of road safety laws.

Kagulong

July 21, 2022

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 slams Foodpanda’s glitch alibi

 
 

The motorcycle riders’ rights group Kapatiran ng Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) slammed Foodpanda for stating that the 10-year suspension of 43 Davao-based food delivery riders was just a “technical glitch.”

 

Don Pangan, Kagulong secretary-general, averred that “Technical glitch is a lame excuse for Foodpanda’s corporate abuse. Foodpanda is trying to hide its anti-worker misbehavior behind digital technology. This modus operandi is no different from Foodpanda disguising its employment relationship to riders using the platform nature of work as an alibi.”

 

At the same time the group criticized the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for speaking on behalf of Foodpanda. “As the third party in the tripartite industrial relationship, the DOLE should show non-partisanship. If at all, the DOLE should be biased for workers as the Labor Code provides that in cases of ambiguity, labor should be favored in the interpretation,” Panga expounded.

 

“In fact, in this case, there is really no ambiguity as suspending workers for 10 years is a flagrant violation of the Labor Code. Workers can only be suspended for a maximum of 30 days and for actual administrative cases. Workers cannot be penalized for planning a protest that has not yet happened!” insisted Pangan.

 

Kagulong reminded the DOLE about 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.

 

Kagulong asserted that the TWG is an urgent necessity given that Foodpanda’s action are exposing the disguised employment relationship between the app and its riders. “If riders are indeed independent contractors then they have the choice not to deliver and thus cannot be penalized. Foodpanda’s suspension reveals its control of the working conditions of riders. The control test is the key metric in determining the existence of an employee-employer relationship,” Pangan explained.

 

He added that “Other than the power to suspend and penalize riders for transgressions in the conduct of their work, the fact that uniforms and delivery bags are mandated by Foodpanda shows that it does control the working conditions of riders who must then be treated as employees not freelancers.”

Kapatiran ng Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong)

July 23, 2021

 

Women riders naglunsad ng unity ride laban sa diskriminasyon sa lansangan, trabaho at lipunan

 

Sa unang pagkakataon ay nagsagawa ng unity ride ang mga riders na kababaihan laban sa diskriminasyon na laganap pa rin umanong nararanasan ng kababaihan partikular sa lansangan, trabaho at sa buong lipunan.

Itinaon ang kanilang unity ride na may temang “Women Can Ride” sa bisperas ng pagdiriwang ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kaibabaihan.

Nagsimula ang unity ride Linggo ng umaga, Marso 7, sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at nagtapos sa People Power Monument sa Edsa. Pinangunahan ito ng Women’s Collective ng grupong Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong o KaGulong.

Ayon kay Jonalyn Batugon, tagapagsalita ng Women’s Collective ng KaGulong, layunin ng kanilang unity ride ang ipahayag ang damdamin ng kababaihang riders sa nararanasan nilang diskriminasyon sa kalsada, sa trabaho, at sa buong lipunan at hilingin sa pamahalaan ang angkop na mga patakaran upang ito ay maibsan.

“Nagmamaneho kami ng motor, o bisekleta. O kaya ay nakaangkas sa aming mga mister o partner para makarating sa trabaho, makapunta sa palengke o saan mang lugar para sa maraming bagay at pangangailangan. Women rider kami, at katulad din ng kalalakihang riders na kalakhan ay manggagawa, nakikipagsapalaran din kami sa mapanganib na lansangan habang nilalabanan ang kahirapan,” pahayag ni Batugon.

Kapansin-pansin na bago pa man magkaroon ng pandemya ay dumarami na ang kababaihang riders at ang paliwanag dito ng KaGulong ay dahil ito sa malubhang krisis sa pampublikong transportasyon, di sapat na sweldo ng manggagawa, mahal na presyo ng mga bilihin, at kakulangan ng trabaho at hanapbuhay sa bansa.

“Mas matipid kaysa sa mamasahe, iwas-balyahan, at iwas-trapik ang pagmomotor. Nakakapag-enjoy pa sa ride kung may pagkakataon. Marami na rin sa amin ay nasa paghahanapbuhay gamit ang motorsiklo,” paliwanag ni Batugon.

Sinabi pa ni Batugon na nararanasan umano nila ang diskriminasyon sa kalsada sa harap ng mga macho at bastos na traffic enforcers, sa kapwa riders, at maging sa mga nakasakay sa apat na gulong. Sa trabaho naman ay marami nang uri ng diskriminasyon ang aming nararanasan tulad ng pahirapan sa hiring at paunahan naman sa tanggalan sa panahon ng krisis katulad ngayon.

“Sa loob ng bahay, ang mga women rider ay gumagampan ng tradisyunal na papel ng babae bilang nanay, yaya, at ngayon ay titser sa mga anak sa offline na pag-aaral,” pagtatapos ni Batugon.

Ang KaGulong ay isang rights-based na samahan ng mga riders kung kayat sa loob ng hanay nito ay nagtayo ito ng Women’s Collective upang harapin ang problema ng diskriminasyon sa kababaihan sa loob at labas ng samahan.

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong
KaGulong
07 March 2021

Riders group asks DOLE to formulate rules protecting the rights of gig workers

The riders’ group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) on Friday asked the Department of Labor and employment to start formulating, in consultation with riders/drivers, labor groups and other stakeholders, rules on digital based labor platform to protect the rights of gig workers and promote their better working conditions.

The call was made in view of the latest report (World Employment Outlook) published by the International Labor Organization (ILO) which placed the Philippines second to India in terms of volume of outsourced jobs performed by workers in digital labor platforms in developing countries.

Said outsourced jobs come mostly from Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Our group is very much mindful of this development since many of our members are into this work or have been engaged with many of these digital platform jobs. Thus, we are aware of their stories, income opportunities, as well as the hazards of being self-employed and freelancers in the company-controlled platform,” said Kagulong in a statement sent to the media.

The ILO noted that app-based or online jobs could have increased during the pandemic when people seek available employment online. But having this kind of job, said the ILO exposes workers to substandard working conditions, such as having irregular work and income.

“Half of online platform workers earn less than US$2 per hour. In addition, some platforms have significant gender pay gaps,” ILO said, adding gig workers also suffer from lack of access to social protection, freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, as well as long and unpredictable working hours.

The ILO attributed these problems to the terms and service agreement of online job platforms, which it noted is “blurring the previously clear distinction between employees and the self-employed.”

Kagulong completely agrees with the ILO findings, saying that in one food delivery company, bookings, and dispatches are completely controlled forcing riders under time pressure to face road hazards. There is also a case now where an LGU requires self-employed drivers to apply for business permits before they can be allowed to hit the road and use the platform.

“There are mounting issues that need to be addressed in this rapidly growing industry and it is very disappointing to see workers in modern digital platforms perform jobs under substandard if not inhumane conditions,” lamented Kagulong.

The group said it is the duty of the government, specifically DOLE, to protect workers in this sector by coming up with rules defined through negotiations between labor and employers in contrast to the app-based rules imposed arbitrarily by industry owners.

Riders of Food Panda has brought their issues before the DOLE in November last year, but the management reportedly refuses to attend a scheduled conference.

Earlier this week Kagulong greeted with enthusiasm the British Supreme Court’s decision declaring Uber drivers as workers. The landmark decision has finally settled a legal battle between the giant ride hailing up and two of its workers who brought the issue before the court in 2016 on whether they should be treated as workers of the company or as self-employed.

According to a BBC news, the British Supreme Court considered several elements in its judgement:
1. Uber set the fare which meant that they dictated how much drivers could earn
2. Uber set the contract terms and drivers had no say in them
3. Request for rides is constrained by Uber who can penalise drivers if they reject too many rides
4. Uber monitors a driver's service through the star rating and has the capacity to terminate the relationship if after repeated warnings this does not improve

As an organized rights-based riding community, Kagulong has been receiving complaints from fellow riders working in different companies. Common among these complaints, similar to what the Court has resolved, is their imposed status as “independent contractors,” and the way hailing app exercises control over the performance of their jobs.

Kagulong called on riders/drivers from different companies to welcome this decision and organize themselves into a union or workers’ association to be able to defend their rights and secure better working conditions in the gig economy

Kagulong

26 February 2021

“Uber drivers are workers”: Riders group welcomes British SC decision on gig workers

The riders’ group Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) greeted with enthusiasm the British Supreme Court’s decision declaring Uber drivers as workers. The landmark decision has finally settled a legal battle between the giant ride hailing up and two of its workers who brought the issue before the courts in 2016 on whether they should be treated as workers of the company or self-employed. 

Uber is also facing similar complaints in many other countries.

The Court declared, as reported in British newspapers, that Uber drivers are workers “the moment they log-on until they log-off the Uber app.” Therefore, as workers, they are entitled to at least the minimum wage, holiday pay and other benefits due for regular workers. 

“Nakasisiya ang desisyon para sa aming mga manggagawang riders. Sa wakas ay mayroon nang jurisprudence sa isyung ito ng mga tinatawag na gig economy workers na maaring paghalawan ng mga korte ng iba’t-ibang bansa katulad ng Pilipinas,” stated Kagulong spokesman Robert Perillo.

Perillo, who is also the President of the Bulacan Motorcycle Riders Confederation (BMRF), said many of their members are working as riders/drivers in may app-based logistics services, thus, the legal resolution on their employment status is the first important step in promoting and protecting the gig economy workers’ basic rights and better working conditions.

According to BBC news, the court considered several elements in its judgement:

- Uber set the fare which meant that they dictated how much drivers could earn

- Uber set the contract terms and drivers had no say in them

- Request for rides is constrained by Uber who can penalise drivers if they reject too many rides

- Uber monitors a driver's service through the star rating and has the capacity to terminate the relationship if after repeated warnings this does not improve

As an organized rights-based riding community, Kagulong has been receiving complaints from fellow riders working in different companies. Common among these complaints, similar to what the Court has resolved, is their imposed status as “independent contractors,” and the way hailing app exercises control over the performance of their jobs. 

“Ngayong may batas na maari nang pagbasehan, wala nang dahilan ang ating mga ahensya tulad ng DOLE na sabihing hindi maaring harapin ang ilang isyu na nakahapag dito tulad ng reklamo ng mga manggagawa sa Food Panda na hindi pa hinaharap ng management sa dayalogo," explained Perillo.

Kagulong called on riders/drivers from different companies to welcome this decision and organize themselves into a union or workers’ association to be able to defend their rights and secure better working conditions in the gig economy. 

Kagulong

22 February 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

MEDIA ADVISORY: UNITY RIDE FOR RIGHT TO LIVELIHOOD TODAY

On the eve of International Human Rights Day…

HUNDREDS OF RIDERS TO CONDUCT “UNITY RIDE” TO CALL FOR RIGHT TO LIVELIHOOD AND EXPANSION OF SLOTS FOR MOTORCYCLE TAXI PILOT TEST RUN

December 9, 2020 (Wednesday) 08:00 AM onwards

ASSEMBLY:
8:00 AM – University Avenue corner CP Garcia, UP Diliman, QC
TAKE-OFF (ROUTE):
9:00 AM – UP  LTFRB Main Office (QC)  DOTR Office (Ortigas) – People Power Monument

On the eve of International Human Rights Day, more than 500 motorcycle riders will conduct a “Unity Ride for Rights to Livelihood” going to the head offices of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Transportation Department tomorrow.

The groups will call on the government to expand the participants in the ongoing motorcycle pilot test run to other riders and transport players to accommodate more riders to have decent livelihood during the pandemic.
Short programs and noise barrage will be staged at the UP Diliman, LTFRB and DOTR offices.

MEDIA COVERAGE REQUESTED
Photo Opportunities Available
Contact Person Don Pangan (09953862722)

Media Advisory: Unity ride for human rights tomorrow

 MEDIA ADVISORY

05 December 2020

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG)

WHAT: HUNDREDS OF MOTORCYCLIST TO HOLD “RIDE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS” IN COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK.

WHEN: DECEMBER 06, 2020

CONDUCT: 

7:00 AM – ASSEMBLY AND PROGRAM AT BANTAYOG NG MGA BAYANI, QUEZON AVENUE CORNER EDSA, QUEZON CITY

9:00 AM – MOTORCADE ALONG QUEZON AVENUE, ELIPTICAL ROAD, COMMONWEALTH AVENUE TO LITEX THEN BACK TO ELIPTICAL ROAD. 

For further details, contact Don Pangan at Mobile no. 09953862722. ###

Foodpanda riders protest harassed by police, 1 arrested

 

 

Some 700 riders of the food delivery app Foodpanda held a “unity ride” today to seek redress of their grievances. However the peaceful protest at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was marred by an altercation with police from the Intramuros station. Jack Vergara of the Food Panda Riders Association was arrested while the cellphone of Romeo Maglunsod of the Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG) was confiscated by the police.

 

“We condemn the harassment by the Manila police of a peaceful concerted action by workers that is a constitutionally guaranteed right. We ask Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello to ensure that workers’ right to redress of grievances is observed at the DOLE area. That is traditionally a site of protest but police are now using the pandemic as an excuse to suppress the right to peaceful assembly,” stated Rene Magtubo, national chair of Partido Manggagawa which is supporting the Foodpanda riders.

 

The Foodpanda riders assembled at the Film Center/Cultural Center of the Philippines area before proceeding to the DOLE to seek an audience and deliver a letter addressed to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

 

The groups are asking the DOLE to conduct an inspection for the purpose of resolving the grievances of the Foodpanda riders. Riders are discontented over recent changes in Foodpanda policies that have negatively affected their pay and working conditions.

 

“Pay is tied to bookings which are affected by so-called ‘grades.’ But the grading system is opaque. Grades have fallen due to changes in the system which penalize riders. Pay has also been reduced per delivery due to a new system,” explained Don Pangan of KAGULONG.

 

Further, a policy called “undispatch” forces riders to rush in order to pick up an order, thereby putting their safety at peril. The groups are demanding the removal of “undispatch,” and transparency and fairness in policies, including the computation of the pay for deliveries.

 

Pangan added that “Food Panda riders are called delivery partners but in reality are employees of the company owning the app. Food Panda riders are subject to control and supervision of the company as shown by the impact of policy changes on pay and condition. Foodpanda riders are not independent contractors but ordinary employees of th company owning the app.”

 

The groups are calling on the DOLE to act on their request for dialogue and inspection. “This is only the start of our advocacy for the rights and welfare of Foodpanda rider and other gig workers. Ang laban ng Foodpanda riders ay laban ng lahat ng gig workers,” insisted Pangan.

Food Panda Riders Association

Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (KAGULONG)

November 18, 2020

 

Riders’ appeal to President Duterte: Don’t send us back to pre-Angkas status

Members of nationwide umbrella of motorcycle riders’ clubs and organizations, the Riders of the Philippines (ROTP), joined fellow bikers who gathered at Mendiola Bridge Friday morning to bring their grievance directly to the attention of the President.

The action is part of their rolling struggle against the impending dislocation to be imposed by LTFRB next year against the pilot testing operation of motorcycle taxis.

“Nakatawid na po kami sa bagong industriya kaya’t hiling namin sa Pangulong Duterte ay huwag na kaming ibalik sa dating iligal at impormal na paraan ng paghahanapbuhay,” stated Robert Perillo, President of Bulacan Motorcycle Riders ConFederation (BMRF) and one of ROTP core Convenors.

Many bikers who enrolled to Angkas came from organized motorcycle riders’ club affiliated with ROTP. They include some of BMRF’s members from Bulacan and Central Luzon. But prior to Angkas, Perillo explained that most of those who bike for a living were either in the informal and illegal state (habal-habal) or in the formal sub-sector of the services industry, as employees in offices and factories, or in trading and delivery services.

“Bilang bikers and tawag namin sa isat-isa ay ‘kagulong’ pero dahil 99% sa amin ay manggagawa, itinuturing din naming sila bilang ‘kamanggagawa’,” thus as workers,  their principal concern is job security and working conditions as business, competition and profit is to Angkas, Move It and Joy Ride, said Perillo.

Perillo contends that the loss of privilege for Angkas and the gain for Joy Ride and Move It should not be at the peril of workers who by next year, according to LTFRB, will be placed under three masters.

Perillo who is also a member of the National Council of Partido Manggagaw (PM) echoed his party’s view that as workers in a sunrise TNVS sector, government regulations must now go beyond numbers, safety and franchise concerns, but also on labor rights. The government, according to PM, must support the transition of bikers and drivers from the informal to the formal sector.

“Ang mga bagong regulasyon at patakaran sa kompetisyon ay dapat nakabubuti, hindi nakamamatay,” added Perillo.

In its prepared letter to the President, the ROTP also complained about the group’s unexplained removal from LTFRB’s TWG headed by General Gardiola. It was the TWG which came out with a resolution cutting to 10,000 the maximum number of Angkas bikers and assign the remainder of 20,000 for the newcomer Joy Ride and Move It.

“Naging bulag kaming mga rider sa tinakbo ng TWG kaya’t hindi rin namin alam kung may nangyari nga ditong kababalaghan,” concluded Perillo. ###

Photos of the Mendiola rally can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/10157716183019323?__xts__[0]=68.ARA8VH2oTOYx0MkV7EWU5fG39tJQR49F_pWtNQCikaUgyHrwhKCSwnk3TxAcwEpR_kUhbWUTtv52hMKbkt3n92PUv8lBgC_Rn6KipE9Pix2na3a-lhyQnTGn6z6EFBXF7c3Nul6ItwulSSP9BxrJezwy1utTWcVL3vQ59eJytXG2aS8ZctVF9SXgIbVfXxQn9KMbaRbkkbltFfDpCvHIPN5jmnp9UwnwOtRsz-aLUtzNOT0GIjSxzLfP0qnuciIk2AHWClU-DO7sNxKYLjDBDDzWs1MB98nz68NNomwqi8cJf-lOfgaDiwed3O9PtyvDs75EcK08MugeMnKmuR46&__tn__=-R

Robert Perillo
President, Bulacan Motorcycle Riders ConFederation
ROTP Convenor
27 December 2019

Labor group opposes displacement of Angkas riders

The labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) expressed support for the riders of Angkas who are facing displacement due to a cap set by the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The LTFRB Technical working Group has reduced the number of riders from Angkas to 10,000 from 27,000 by the start of the 2020. Angkas riders launched a massive protest from White Plains to Quezon Circle today.

“We call on the LTFRB to withdraw its decision. Almost 20,000 Angkas riders are facing a sad Christmas and a bleak new year. Fostering competition in the motorcycle taxi sector is good but it should not lead to massive dislocation of riders. These Angkas riders have already went through months of training and practical experience in plying motorcycle taxis. Only for them to end up jobless due to a LTFRB decision,” asserted Wilson Fortaleza, PM spokesperson.

Fortaleza spoke this afternoon as an assembly of riders in Malolos, Bulacan. Many of the riders in the Malolos assembly joined the Angkas riders protest in Metro Manila.

PM has a history of solidarity with riders’ issues and struggles as it considers them as workers. Aside from the legalization of the motorcycle taxi, PM has supported the fight of riders against the plaka vest and the doble plaka.

“We also call on the Department of Labor and Employment to study the employment relations in the TNVS sector, including motorcycle taxis, and issue appropriate regulations. While companies like Angkas and Grab treat their drivers as independent contractors, we believe this is a misclassification as they should be categorized as employees with concomitant rights. The government must support the transition of riders and drivers from the informal to the formal sector. Thus this is not just a question of livelihood but also of labor standards and workers’ rights,” insisted Fortaleza.

He explained that “Workers comprise 99% of motorcycle riders in the country. The transportation sector is the second biggest employer in the service industry with a total workforce of 3.2 million o o 7.8 per cent of the total employed persons in 2018. Motorcycles are popular with the working masses, both in the formal and informal economy. It is cheap and convenient for going to and from work and as a vehicle for livelihood.”

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are already 6.2 million registered motorcycles and tricycles as of 2013. The number is growing fast. More than 2 million motorcycles were registered just in the first 10 months of 2018. ###

Photos of the riders assembly can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/10157702508339323?__xts__[0]=68.ARBC1Xhza9QYuECJEZvavVo_8e3wkBlM18oE9mFtb_egiy0C9JADtQsz-e4vPMvcCJ53_2omy1YRXs3ZTvtnvlYL75Mhxy2yc00752BmizKG9L1tTCBuGBA77jHqbdAxsUC6oZBm_rMevPNoRZU-CF-c5sVwYAlZ8XCOvG_5xxIapzd858Q_sRKgnqACdIeuzEzhKZbmGG7iGldO1ml4Xp553le0L-fAPXzzLR7NWer_bBHHJqpHM-8Yz8xp1V-m1mvcOOmSebvOOpaHyYzGcfQAkEyyR5fvf9dhFilF6MDTkPqet6JkAwxuKnjzl_4JsHEQBH77QxmynPjkzhQU&__tn__=-R

22 December 2019

PM sides with riders and commuters in opposing double big plate and ban on Angkas

Workers are both riders and commuters, thus, imposing rigid and prohibitive rules in the streets adds more burden to the working people and reinforces class discrimination in the guise of road safety and anti-crime campaign.

According to Partido Manggagawa (PM), the ban on Angkas operations, a popular motorcycle taxi denies thousands of working people a faster and safer mobility in NCR while the recently enacted law requiring double big plates for motorcycles is an added cost and poses safety concerns for riders whose vehicles were not designed for such anti-crime innovations.

"Banning Angkas and requiring double big plates on motorcycles will neither improve traffic conditions and road safety nor contain criminal activities of organized crime groups. Only organized communities, a disciplined police force, and a modern mass transport system can solve these age old public services deficit," said PM in a statement issued during the indignation activities conducted by thousands of motorcycle riders in Quezon City this morning.

The group said workers utilize motorcycles as the most economical and faster mode of bringing themselves to their workplaces or as the means of livelihood themselves as in the case of app-abled Angkas and other courier services.

"The government must adopt a flexible policy on this issue as rigid and discriminatory rules impacts heavily on workers," added PM.

At the same time it urges the riding community to help the government in ensuring road safety by raising the level of training and professionalism among riders in particular and by actively involving themselves in anti-crime, environment, emergency response and other social mobilizations at the community levels.

16 December 2018

Workers march to condemn dispersal of NutriAsia picketline, call for boycott

Some 200 workers marched this afternoon in Marilao to the strikebound condiments factory NutriAsia. Members of the Bulacan chapter of Partido Manggagawa (PM), Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, the Bulacan Motorcycle Riders Confederation and a newly established labor group, Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa, condemned the violent dispersal of the picketline of striking workers last week. Scores of strikers were arrested and several more were wounded as police enforced a court order against the picketline.

The PM-Bulacan and Kapatiran members assembled at the corner of Pantoc and Lambakin in Marilao at 1:00 pm before proceeding to the NutriAsia factory. Members of PM-Bulacan are among the NutriAsia strikers.

“The dispersal of the NutriAsia picketline exposes the double standard of the so-called justice system and also of the present administration. A court order to allow free ingress and egress at the factory is forcibly enforced while a DOLE order to regularize workers remains unimplemented. We have an administration that promised to end endo yet police violence is inflicted upon workers fighting against contractualization,” averred Gerry Rivera, head of the Kapatiran.

The group is calling on the public to boycott products made at the factory until the workers’ demands for regularization is met. NutriAsia manufactures Datu Puti, Silver Swan, UFC Ketchup and Mang Tomas among others.

Kapatiran was formed by several unions and workers associations as a “solidarity space” for unaffiliated and federated organizations. It aims to complement ongoing labor unity efforts even as it plans to campaign for urgent labor reforms.

“We call on the police to observe the DOLE-PEZA-PNP Guidelines on the Conduct of Security Personnel During Labor Disputes. Police are not allowed to escort scabs into a strikebound factory and they should maintain a 50 meter distance from the picketline,” argued Ver Estorosas, chair of the PM-Bulacan.

Rivera called on the labor movement to close ranks in solidarity with the workers of NutriAsia and other labor struggles. He recalled that another workers strike in the Cavite export processing zone in Rosario was also harassed by security guards.

“Solidarity among workers is necessary to defend the right to peaceful concerted actions, including strike and advance the campaign against endo,” argued Rivera. Rivera is also union president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) which has waged a bitter struggle against contractualization at the national flag carrier. PALEA and Kapatiran are calling on the DOLE to expedite the release of the results of a labor inspection of PAL and its sister company PAL Express.

Partido Manggagawa-Bulacan

June 18, 2018

Mga riders pumalag sa panukalang bigger license plate sa mga motorsiklo

Daan-daang motorcycle riders mula sa Bulacan, at ibat-ibang asosasyon sa Metro Manila ang nagmotorcade patungong Senado ngayong umaga para iprotesta ang pagkakapasa ng Senate Bill No. 1397 o ang Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act na inakda ni Senator Richard Gordon.  Ito raw ay para masawata ang laganap na ‘riding in tandem’ crime.

 

Tinawag nila ang kilos-protesta na “Tindig Rider Laban sa Double Big License Plate”.  Magsasagawa umano sila ng susunod pang mga aksyon sa darating na mga araw.

 

Nakakabit sa motorsiklo ng mga nagpoportestang mga rider ang mga plakard na hugis oversized plates ang kanilang mga saloobin kaugnay ng panukala.  

Kalakhan umano ng mga rider ay mga manggagawa na gamit ang motorsiklo hindi sa krimen kundi sa lehitimong paghahanapbuhay sa pormal at impormal na sektor.  Gamit din aniya ito ng kanilang mga pamilya para sa mabilis at ekonomikong moda ng transportasyon.

 

Ang panukala, kapag naging ganap na batas, ay nag-uutos sa LTO at sa mga may-ari ng motorsiklo at scooter na palitan ang kasalukuyang plaka ng over-sized license plate na mababasa sa distansyang 12 at 15 metro.

 

Ayon kay Robert Perillo, Pangulo ng Bulacan Motorcyle Rider Confederation (BMRF), may halong diskriminasyon ang panukala ni Gordon dahil lahat ng rider ay pinagdududahang kriminal o kaya ay maaring maging kriminal sa simpleng dahilan na motorsiklo ang gamit nilang sasakyan.

 

Paglilinaw pa ni Perillo, ang mga riders ay laban din sa mga kriminal na salot sa lansangan at sa buhay ng mamamayan, pero hindi aniya tama na ang criminal activities ng iilan ay maging pabigat sa mas nakararami. Mas makabubuti aniya na katulungin ng pulisya at LGUs ang organisadong hanay ng mga riders laban sa krimen kaysa gawin silang palagiang suspek sa bawat krimeng nagaganap sa kani-kanilang mga lugar.

 

Naniniwala ang grupo na hindi solusyon ang malalaking plaka sa pagsugpo sa street killings dahil ang kriminal umano ay madaling mag-adap sa bagong sitwasyon lalo na kung alam nila na madali nila itong malulusutan.

 

Magiging pabigat din umano ang gastusin sa mga bagong plaka na ito dahil ang malaking plaka ay mas mahal, bukod pa sa mahal na mga penalties sa violations sa ilalim ng panukala na lahat ay kakarguhin ng mga rider.

 

Humihilling din ang grupo ng mga riders ng pakikipag-usap sa mga kinauukulan upang maipaliwanag nila ang kanilang panig kaugnay ng panukala.

 

Naipasa umano sa third at final reading ang panukalang ito sa senado na wala silang kamuwang-muwang, hindi nakonsulta, at hindi man lang nahingan ng kanilang pananaw.

Motorcycle Rights Organization

2 August 2017