ON May 12, some 68 million Filipinos will head to the polls for the midterm elections. Voters will elect 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives, 82 governors and vice governors, 800 provincial board members, and thousands of city and municipal officials.
Amid the din of campaign jingles, TikTok dance routines and ubiquitous motorcades, each candidate woos voters with promises and programs. Yet, beyond the noise, one question remains: How will these leaders serve the people who keep our economy moving, particularly the drivers of motorcycle ride-hailing services?
In the past five years, the role of motorcycle drivers in the Philippine economy has expanded rapidly. While platforms such as Grab, Angkas, Lalamove and Foodpanda had been active before Covid-19, the pandemic accelerated mass dependence on these services. Whether for delivering food, ferrying people or moving parcels, riders have become essential workers offering convenience and speed in a time of crisis.
That growth continues today. As of 2024, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board reported 68,000 registered riders with transport network companies.
Meanwhile, a 2022 Fairwork study by the Oxford Internet Institute and WZB Berlin Social Science Center estimated 85,000 food and parcel delivery riders across the country. Add the 8.5 million registered motorcycle owners registered with the Land Transportation Office, and it’s clear: the rider sector is massive, growing and a vital segment of the economy.
Many of these riders are also entrepreneurs, running their own small-scale businesses or engaging in side hustles to support their families. And yet, despite their contributions, there remains a huge opportunity for this sector to be included in public policy. This is where accountability from local leaders comes in.
Why our vote counts
Local officials shape daily life. They set policies, manage local budgets and decide which sectors receive priority investment. Our vote doesn’t just put someone in office; it helps define our daily commute, our access to services and our chances of growing a business.
So, what should we expect from local leaders to support rider-entrepreneurs?
Safer, smarter infrastructure
Poor and unsafe road conditions make it more difficult and dangerous for riders to work efficiently. In 2023 alone, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported a 17.3-percent increase in motorcycle-related road crashes compared to 2022. In Metro Manila, this translates to about 78 motorcycle accidents per day. Investments in quality public infrastructure, coupled with rider safety education programs, are among the effective ways to help prevent these incidents from increasing.
Simplified registration and stronger protections
A large number of motorcycle-based businesses operate informally because the process of registering a business remains complex and resource-intensive. Access to a streamlined registration system would not only allow them to formalize their operations more easily but also enable them to access government-mandated support and benefits. To protect the rights of riders, we must expect leaders to advocate for stronger safeguards, such as mandatory accident or health insurance that promote the welfare of rider-entrepreneurs.
Better access to financing opportunities
Rider-based small and medium enterprises often require loans to purchase essential equipment such as motorcycles, safety gear and smartphones. However, a significant portion of this population remains unbanked or lacks adequate access to financing options.
Fortunately, some progress is being made. One option is sangla OR/CR (official receipt/certificate of registration), which allows borrowers to use their vehicle registration as collateral without surrendering their motorcycle. Financial institutions like Cycle Financing Corp. are also stepping in to provide affordable loans tailored for riders.
Local governments can help scale these efforts by forming partnerships, offering subsidies or facilitating financial education programs that improve credit access for rider-entrepreneurs.
On election day, we must ask ourselves: Does this or that candidate understands the realities of riders? Do they have a plan for safer roads, fairer systems and stronger local economies? Guided by these questions, our vote can help build a future where rider-entrepreneurs can thrive — safely, fairly and an important sector in the local economy.
Mark Billante leads business development at Cycle Financing Corp., a financial institution focused on expanding financial access to Filipino motorcycle riders nationwide. Learn more about their flexible financing programs on cyclefinancing.ph or through their social media channels.