Encourage Cebu and Cagayan de Oro's MoveIt transportation network expansion proposed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
Rewritten Article:
Move It's ride-hailing operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro havehit a snag,according to a press conference held by the company's General Manager, Wayne Jacinto, on April 30, 2025.
Jacinto stated, "Apparently, we weren't given the green light to operate in Cebu and CDO."
The LTFRB motorcycle taxi guidelines, which have been framed to govern Move It's operations in these cities, determine the trouble. The LTFRB Chairman, Teofilo E. Guadiz III, confirmed through records and evidence that "clearly indicate that it has not been granted any authorization by the TWG (Technical Working Group) to operate in these areas."
On this note, Jacinto foresees a potential impact on around 6,000 riders if Move It is forced to halt its services in these two cities, where, according to Jacinto, there are approximately 3,000 accredited riders.
He further shared that discussions with the LTFRB regarding the settlement of fines for the mismanagement of riders in Move It have yet to yield results, with the number of active riders reduced from 15,000 to just 6,836.
The LTFRB has levied charges against Move It for non-compliance with the rider allocation guidelines, as well as for failing to meet mandatory reporting requirements for rider activation, deactivation, and reactivation, as per the motorcycle taxi pilot program[1].
Jacinto estimates that up to 14,000 jobs could be at risk if Move It is forced to cease operations. Various pleas have been made to maintain the status quo and initiate a constructive dialogue with the LTFRB, which has not yet been finalized, as there is a motion for reconsideration pending.
In a phone call interview on May 2, LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto clarified that the LTFRB's jurisdiction is limited to four-wheeled vehicles, and not motorcycles[2]. "Well, the responsibility isn’t really mine, as the Technical Working Group (TWG) operates from the central office, and we don’t have any specific data on that matter," Montealto stated.
Montealto explained that motorcycles are not within the LTFRB's jurisdiction, with his emphasis on four-wheeled vehicles. "To clarify, motorcycles are not really within the LTFRB's authority, focusing on four-wheeled vehicles," he elaborated.
[1] "Move It's rider cap drastically slashed by LTFRB", GMA News Online, April 2025.[2] "LTFRB slaps fines on Move It, Angkas over excessive rider cap violations", Rappler, March 2025.[3] "LTFRB warned Angkas, Joyride over motorcycle taxi operations", Philippine Star, May 2019.[4] "LTFRB forms technical working group to oversee motorcycle taxi services", Manila Bulletin, May 2019.
- Despite the challenges, Move It's General Manager, Wayne Jacinto, is hopeful about resuming operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, as discussions with the LTFRB continue over the deactivation of 8,164 riders due to non-compliance with guidelines.
- The financial impact of this deactivation on Move It, an essential player in the Philippines' ride-hailing industry, could be significant, potentially threatening the livelihoods of around 14,000 individuals dependent on the business.
- In a bid to maintain the status quo, Jacinto has pleaded for a constructive dialogue with the LTFRB, particularly regarding the settlement of fines and the reconsideration of their operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
- Interestingly, LTFRB Director Eduardo Montealto clarified in a recent interview that the LTFRB's jurisdiction is limited to four-wheeled vehicles, implying that motorcycle operations, such as Move It's, may not necessarily fall under its purview.
- Despite the ongoing issues, Move It's operations in other areas, such as Gilatid in the Philippines, continue to thrive, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the ride-hailing industry.
