Ride-hailing boss books a ride into politics

GEORGE Royeca, CEO of the ride-hailing platform Angkas, filed his candidacy on Saturday for a congressional seat under the newly established party-list, «Angkasangga.»

Royeca said Angkasangga is a bold effort to further the advocacy and reforms pioneered by Angkas, focusing on the empowerment and upliftment of the informal sector.

He said his party-list is an extension of the principles that underpin Angkas' success in the transportation sector.

Angkas has provided a bridge for many informal workers to transition into the formal economy, offering them not only jobs but also dignity and security.

Royeca said drawing inspiration from this success, Angkasangga's legislative agenda will focus on improving the lives of informal workers, a long-overlooked demographic that includes delivery riders, street vendors, and freelance workers.

He emphasized the need for laws that address the challenges faced by the sector, which makes up a large portion of the workforce yet often lacks social protection and economic mobility.

«Our journey with Angkas has shown us the immense potential and resilience of the Filipino informal sector,» Royeca said after filing his certificate of candidacy (CoC).

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«Through Angkasangga, we aim to bring this spirit into the halls of Congress, advocating for laws and policies that ensure their recognition, protection, and development.»

The filing was marked by a gathering at the Cuneta Astrodome attended by more than 5,000 supporters in what has been described as one of the largest party-list launches in recent memory.

Prominent figures such as entertainer Vice Ganda, Sen. JV Ejercito, former Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso, and various biker organizations stood alongside Royeca in support of the party-list's cause.

Vice Ganda, known for advocating progressive causes, praised Angkasangga's commitment to marginalized workers.

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Ejercito lauded the party-list's focus on improving social security for informal workers, noting that Royeca's leadership in Angkas has already set a precedent for positive change.

Angkasangga's legislative platform centers on four key areas: formalization of the informal sector, enhanced social security