Davao's Homegrown Ride-Hailing App Pursues Transport Network Company Accreditation
An official from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao Region (LTFRB-Davao) has disclosed that the locally developed motorcycle taxi service, Ride It, is currently seeking accreditation as a Transport Network Company (TNC) at the agency's central office. This development highlights the growing digital transportation sector in the region, as homegrown startups aim to compete with established industry players.
Ride It's Operations and Legal Status Under Scrutiny
Deanne Aubrey Salcedo, the legal section assistant of LTFRB-Davao, explained that a TNC functions similarly to major companies like Grab and Maxim, providing structured ride-hailing services through digital platforms. Ride It, which launched in Davao City in April 2025, offers features such as real-time tracking, in-app booking, and courier delivery services, catering to the commuting public's needs for convenience and efficiency.
The application received recognition during the 2025 Davao Startup Week, where it was awarded the Most Innovative Startup award for its contributions to growth, innovation, and sustainability in the city. However, Salcedo emphasized that while Ride It's TNC application is pending, its current operations in Davao City are considered illegal under existing laws because the company lacks a necessary franchise. "If they are operating as a TNC also and they have a pending application, we will wait for that approval," she stated during an interview at the Kapihan sa PIA event on January 23, 2026, held at NCCC Maa.
Regulatory Challenges and Colorum Concerns
Adding to the legal complexities, Oscar Don A. Zamora, the Davao City North District Head of the Land Transportation Office-Davao Region (LTO-Davao), confirmed that Ride It's operations are illegal, classifying them as "colorum" since the company collects payments for services without proper authorization. This regulatory stance underscores the ongoing challenges faced by emerging transportation technologies in navigating Philippines' legal frameworks.
Legislative Efforts to Legalize Motorcycle Taxis in Davao
In response to these issues, Davao City Councilor Jose Mari Baluran advocated for amending the city ordinance to allow motorcycle taxis to operate legally. On August 19, 2025, he highlighted that such operations would benefit the city by offering an alternative transportation mode for commuters. "There is a loophole in the existing ordinance that needs to be amended for its proper implementation," Baluran noted, pointing to the need for updated regulations.
The current legal basis, City Ordinance No. 0584-21, also known as "An Ordinance Allowing the Operation of Motorcycle Taxis in Davao City," was authored by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang and approved on May 11, 2021, under the 19th City Council. Despite this, enforcement gaps persist. On March 4, 2025, the 20th City Council passed a resolution urging LTFRB-Davao Region to include Davao City in the motorcycle taxi pilot study program, which currently only covers Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. This exclusion has led to the apprehension of motorcycle ride-hailing operators in Davao City, highlighting regional disparities in transportation policy implementation.
As Ride It navigates its accreditation process, the situation reflects broader themes of innovation clashing with regulatory frameworks in the Philippines' transportation sector. Stakeholders continue to monitor developments, balancing technological advancement with legal compliance to ensure safe and efficient urban mobility.
