Transport, Legal Groups Demand DOTr Resolution of 'Ghost Rider' Controversy

MANILA, Philippines — Transport and legal groups have called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to resolve the “ghost rider” controversy, noting that the issue tests the agency’s “equal enforcement of regulations.” The issue first surfaced during the height of the fuel crisis last April, when beneficiary rider lists for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s P5,000-cash assistance program were found to have “serious discrepancies” due to supposed duplicate and conflicting entries. READ: ‘Ghost’ drivers stall P5,000 aid release Lawyers for Commuter Safety and Protection (LCSP) President Atty. Ariel Inton said September, which coincides with Rule of Law Month, is the right time for the DOTr to clarify the “ghost rider” issue. “If there was a problem with rider lists and onboarding, what was the result? Was there corrective action? Has anyone been held accountable?” Inton asked. “There should be no exemptions from the law. If there is a need to change the regulation, there is a proper process. The question of whether the rules that existed at that time were followed cannot just disappear,” he added. READ: DOTr chief blames TNCs, gov’t execs for bloated list of beneficiaries The LCSP reiterated its support for the formal regulation of motorcycle taxis and policies that protect riders’ livelihoods, including those affected by industry limits. Meanwhile, the National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines and the National Public Transport Coalition said that the “ghost rider” issue raises a basic question of “fairness,” specifically for transport workers who follow government rules and limits every day. Riders should not be made to suffer for decisions made at the company level, the groups said. The Inquirer reached out to DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez regarding the groups’ appeal, but he has yet to respond as of this writing. /mcm