Angkas boss running for Congress

(UPDATE) GEORGE Royeca, the chief executive officer of ride hailing app Angkas, has thrown his hat into the political ring as he called for congressional representation of the informal sector, which he described as the «backbone of the local economy.»

«I have made the decision to enter the political arena and advocate for this cause,» Royeca said in his remarks during the awarding of The Manila Times' Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities on Thursday.

«We need representation that is dedicated to this sector and its future. We need voices in government who will prioritize the rights and dignities of these workers. I am convinced the time to act is now,» Royeca added.

Known as «Mr. Angkas,» Royeca helped revolutionize ride-hailing in the Philippines.

With over 8 million downloads and 50,000 biker-partners, Angkas is considered the foremost app-based service provider in the country.

The Manila Times holds its Model Cities and Municipalities Forum, Reinventing, Reinvigorating, Urban Living at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sept. 19, 2024. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, United Nations Sasakawa laureate Glenn Banaguas, Christopher Ferareza, P&A Grant Thornton chief sustainability officer and partner for advisory services; Angkas founder and CEO George Royeca, Palafox Associates Managing Partner Felino Palafox Jr. and International Workplace Group Country Manager Lars Wittig were the speakers in the event that recognized outstanding local government units. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE The Manila Times holds its Model Cities and Municipalities Forum, Reinventing, Reinvigorating, Urban Living at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sept. 19, 2024. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, United Nations Sasakawa laureate Glenn Banaguas, Christopher Ferareza, P&A Grant Thornton chief sustainability officer and partner for advisory services; Angkas founder and CEO George Royeca, Palafox Associates Managing Partner Felino Palafox Jr. and International Workplace Group Country Manager Lars Wittig were the speakers in the event that recognized outstanding local government units. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE The Manila Times holds its Model Cities and Municipalities Forum,