Stopping Angkas could mean losing buyers

KINGS OF THE ROAD. For many commuters, Angkas helps them get to work on time. The popular app also means more drivers applying to drive for the ride-hailing platform. (SunStar photo/Amper Campaña)
KINGS OF THE ROAD. For many commuters, Angkas helps them get to work on time. The popular app also means more drivers applying to drive for the ride-hailing platform. (SunStar photo/Amper Campaña)

MOTORCYCLE dealers in Cebu have varying opinions regarding the possible effect of the recent Supreme Court (SC) decision over Angkas on their sales. Harold Cifra, 34, a branch manager of a motorcycle store in downtown Cebu City, said the majority of their customers are walk-ins who purchase motorcycles for private use. “I don’t think it would affect us that much because most of our customers are walk-ins. About three out of 15 customers are Angkas applicants,” explained Cifra. On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the SC issued a temporary restraining order on a Mandaluyong court’s decision to allow Angkas to operate. Jane (full name withheld), also shared the same sentiments with Cifra. “Some of our customers do apply with Angkas. But it would not totally affect our sales because they are not the majority segment of our market. They comprise about five percent,” she said. However, Melanie Santander, branch controller of a motorcycle trading company for 10 years, said banning Angkas would most likely lower their sales. “By stopping Angkas from operating, our sales are bound to slow down. Most of those who get motorcycles here are those who want to be members of Angkas. Others have stopped working because they want to be Angkas drivers. They say they earn at most P1,000 (daily) from it,” Santander noted. Will Rodney Tanduyan, sales representative of a motorcycle company, said that declaring Angkas illegal would be a disadvantage to their business. “Angkas requires certain models. As dealers, there’s a chance we can sell the models that they require,” Tanduyan said. Most Angkas users expressed worry over the decision, saying the app helped get them to where they needed to be on time because they were able to move easily through the traffic. Asked if they are worried about their employees coming to work late now that Angkas is not an option, some employers said that Angkas is not the only alternative to survive traffic. Remarie Dimaano, a bank operations officer, said that she is not totally worried as long as there are habal-habal drivers who can still ferry commuters to their workplaces. However, she noted that there are some benefits her employees might not possibly enjoy if they choose to ride a habal-habal. “The difference is they don’t get an official receipt that they can use for reimbursement, unlike Angkas.” But for Jaja (real name withheld), a junior manager of a fast food chain, most minimum wage earners still prefer to be stuck in traffic as long as they don’t pay that much. “Most of my crew here have families. They will risk being late as long as they don’t pay so much for the fare. Angkas can be a little expensive,” she explained.

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