Angkas Riders Cause Traffic Disruption
GEORGE ROYECA – The CEO of Angkas has publicly apologized for the actions of some of the company’s riders in a viral video that recently surfaced online.
The video, shared by VISOR on Facebook, shows a group of Angkas riders blocking an intersection in Cainta, Rizal, despite the traffic light being green. This caused a disruption, forcing other motorists to stop as the riders made their way through the intersection.
At one point, a truck attempted to pass but was also blocked by the riders. Traffic only resumed its normal flow after the group had cleared the area. The video quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 6 million views.
In response, Royeca expressed his regret in a video posted on his Facebook account, stating, “Ako po ay nagpapakumbaba at humihingi ng taos-pusong paumanhin sa publiko, sa ating mga mananakay, sa kapwa motorists, at sa mga awtoridad.” His apology acknowledged the disruption caused by the incident and reflected his commitment to addressing the issue.
Meanwhile, Angkas is a Philippine-based motorcycle ride-hailing and package delivery service founded in 2016 by George Royeca and Angeline Tham. Headquartered in Makati, Metro Manila, Angkas was initially launched as a solution to traffic congestion and gained attention for offering an alternative mode of transportation through motorcycle taxis.
The company has faced legal challenges, including a 2017 suspension by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) due to safety concerns. In response, Angkas launched a parcel delivery service, Angkas Padala, and continued operations while challenging the government’s restrictions.
In 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) allowed Angkas to conduct pilot operations in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu to assess the viability of motorcycle taxis. However, the company was subject to rider caps. As of 2023, Angkas has over 30,000 riders and continues to expand its services, including providing social security benefits to its riders. The company has extended its reach to cities like Cagayan de Oro and has plans for further expansion.