A rider from Gig Riders Coalition has spoken out against the overboarding system, stating that it only benefits companies, and not riders. John Jay Chan appeared before the House Committee on Justice hearing on Tuesday, April 28, detailing the challenges the system poses for MC taxis and delivery riders.

According to Chan, Transport Network Companies (TNCs) should be held accountable for the problems faced by riders concerning the overboarding.

“To explain po nang mabilisan lang, ang overboarding ay hindi lang po problema sa MC Taxi; ito rin po ay problema maging sa delivery riders. Mr. Chair, kahit ano pong sugarcoat ang gawin ng mga TNCs and platform companies, ang overboarding at the end of the day, sinasabi nila na nagbe-benefit daw dito ang general public at ating mga mananakay, ang ating mga customers,” he explained.

In the end, Chan said the companies benefit the most from the system, adding that the large number of riders poses a challenge for them. “Dahil kahit saan niyo po tanungin, kahit magpa-survey po tayo, iba po ang kondisyon noon sa ngayon. Bakit? Kasi sobrang daming riders na po, at ang nagbe-benefit lang po dito ay ang mga TNCs,” he expressed.

“Nakakalungkot lang po na kami ay tinatawag na delivery partner, driver partner, pero hindi po kasama sa usapin ang mga rider pagdating sa pagdedesisyon kung tama na o sobra na yung kanilang pag-o-overboard,” he added.

Earlier, APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc highlighted that the Oil Deregulation Law should not be the only priority for lawmakers. Sergio emphasized the need for the Magna Carta for delivery riders, including a freelance protection bill.

According to the lawmaker, riders are in a “gray area,” pointing out the lack of laws protecting them.