Alarmed by the recent string of violent attacks against Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) riders, Senator Mark A. Villar has filed Senate Resolution No. 527, urging the Senate to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to strengthen security measures for ride-hailing drivers and passengers, improve law enforcement coordination, and develop reforms that will make public transportation safer.
The proposed inquiry comes after a series of brutal crimes that have shaken the riding public in recent weeks, including the robbery-slay of a TNVS rider in Cavite and the fatal stabbing of another rider in Caloocan. Villar said these incidents expose vulnerabilities in the country’s ride-hailing system that require immediate legislative action.
‘Hindi natin maaaring hayaang maging normal o dumami pa ang mga karumal-dumal na insidente laban sa ating mga TNVS riders. We must put in place stronger preventive measures that protect both drivers and passengers, especially at a time when criminals are becoming more brazen,’ Villar said.
The senator said the inquiry aims to produce concrete policy recommendations to strengthen rider protection, improve crime prevention, modernize emergency response systems, and enhance accountability among all stakeholders in the ride-hailing industry.
Among the measures to be reviewed are passenger identity verification, real-time trip monitoring, in-app emergency features, coordination between ride-hailing companies and law enforcement, and the responsibilities of transport network companies and government agencies in ensuring rider safety.
‘Dahil sa likas na panganib ng kanilang trabaho-dahil mataas talaga ang trans ana maisakaya nila ang mgakawatan o sindikatong nagpapang-gap na pasahero, lalo na sa gabi at sa mga liblib na lugar-nararapat lamang na magkaroon sila ng mas matibay na proteksyon at mas mahigpit na mga hakbang sa seguridad.,’ Villar said.
The senator also called on law enforcement authorities to relentlessly pursue the recent cases and ensure that every person responsible is brought to justice.
‘Ang mensahe ay dapat malinaw: walang puwang ang karahasan laban sa mga naghahanapbuhay. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga responsable, at kasabay nito ay isusulong natin ang mga repormang magbibigay ng tunay at pangmatagalang proteksyon sa ating mga TNVS riders at sa riding public,’ Villar concluded.