Magna Carta for delivery riders pushed

A SEPARATE Magna Carta for millions of delivery riders and tricycle drivers all over the Philippines would be the top priority of a new party-list if it wins a seat in Congress.

George Royeca, chief executive officer of Angkas, a motorcycle ride-hailing platform and first nominee of Angkasangga Party-list, on Tuesday said that his group would focus on institutionalizing road safety education for all drivers, establishing clear national standards for motorcycle taxis, and mandating infrastructure that protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders.

"There is also a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and recognition of the country's informal transport workers, who play a vital role in keeping cities moving," Royeca said.

In all these, Royeca said Angkasangga, if given a seat at the House of the Representatives, will push for the establishment of a separate Magna Carta for millions of delivery riders and tricycle drivers and operators as well.

He estimated that there were around 18 million motorcycle riders and close to 3 million members of the tricycle drivers and operators associations nationwide.

A longtime advocate for commuter protection and transport reform, Royeca said there is a national crisis in transportation safety.

"Lives are being lost daily — not just because of accidents, but because of a system that consistently treats road safety as an afterthought. Every fatal crash is a policy failure," Royeca said.

He urged a shift in mindset toward transport as a public safety issue, not merely a mobility concern.

"Transportation is about survival. Safety should not be a privilege — it must be a right protected by law," he said.

Moreover, the Angkas top executive said his group would push for smarter, tech-driven solutions to modernize the transport system.

"We need digital tools, real-time feedback, and responsive regulation to create a commuter-first culture. Modern problems require modern answers," Royeca said.

He cited the importance of representation in policymaking, hence his decision to join the political exercise representing Angkasangga.

"Transport workers and commuters have long been excluded from the legislative conversation. Angkasangga was created to change that — to ensure their voices are heard in Congress and that policies are crafted with them, not just for them," he added.