George Royeca, Vice Ganda team up to advocate for motorcycle riders, informal workers’ rights

George Royeca, co-founder of Angkas and nominee of ANGKASangga 107 Party-list, is at the forefront of the fight for the rights of informal workers and motorcycle taxi riders, aiming to turn long-overdue recognition into real policies and protections. With the support of Vice Ganda, a key ally and advocate, Royeca is pushing for greater support for workers who have been overlooked by traditional systems.

“Marami talagang ginagamit yung motorsiklo para sa hanapbuhay,” Royeca said during a Zoom interview on April 13. “Maraming mga ibat-ibang batas at panukala na kailangan gawin, kailangan i-update para mabigyan ng tamang binipisyo itong mga ibat-ibang manggagawa na ginagamit yung motorsiklo para sa hanap-buhay. That’s the primary focus of our party-list.”

Royeca emphasized that this advocacy is not just about motorcycle riders but is a broader movement for Filipinos who choose non-traditional career paths.

“Hindi lang ‘to laban ng mga biker, laban ‘to ng lahat ng Pilipino na wants to go outstide of… ‘di ba sabi sa atin ng mga magulang natin no’ng bata tayo ‘Anak, mag-aral ka na mabuti. Pumasok ka sa magandang paaralan para makakuha ka ng magandang trabaho sa magandang kumpanya.’ That’s all well good. Pero do’n sa mga ibang mga tao na talagang hindi nila ambisyon maging empleyado, gusto nila hawak nila ang oras nila, gusto nila marami silang nagagawa, gusto nila marami ibat-iba silang pinagkakaabalahan, dapat ma-empower natin ‘to.

For Royeca, the ultimate goal is to change the mindset and advocate for policies that protect and support all types of workers in today’s evolving landscape.

“Kasi tunay na manggagawa ‘tong mga ito. Just because hindi sila kinikilala ngayon ng gobyerno doesn’t mean wala silang karapatan sa mga binipisyo. This is what we want to change. Kasi talagang maraming Pilipino specially in this day and age — content creator pa lang sa internet, mga YouTube content creators natin — lahat ‘yang mga yan wala yang proteksyon mula sa gobyerno,” he continued.

Royeca also acknowledged the pivotal role of Vice Ganda in their advocacy efforts. Known for her influence in the entertainment industry, Vice Ganda has lent her voice and presence not only as a celebrity endorser but as a genuine advocate for informal workers.

“Si Vice Ganda is one of the people that’s been endorsing the party-list. And the reason for this is she herself is an informal worker in a sense specially in the entertainment industry. So matagal na kaming magkaibigan ni Vice. Napag-usapan na talaga namin yung representation of not only the informal working sector similar to what she’s gone through, but also her sector which is the LGBT — which we also represent.”

Royeca commended Vice Ganda for her political awareness and sharp intellect. He shared that their shared commitment to advocacy has not only deepened their friendship but also strengthened their collaboration.

“Si Vice Ganda is a friend and matagal na kaming nag-uusap regarding ibat-ibang advocacy… Si Vice ganda political yan. Matalinong-matalino yan. Marami rin yang mga palaisipan at mga messages habang nasa kanyang platform siya and starts talking about different type of current event issues. Matagal na kaming nagdedebate. In fact, ang challenge ko nga sa kanya ‘Bakit hindi ka tumakbo?’ Yun ‘yong challenge ko sa kanya. Ang dami-dami mong sinasabi, tumakbo ka because you have something to say. And that’s where friendship was born. I was an advocate on transportation, but she would also advocate a lot of issues. She’s one of the first people that helped me.”

He also emphasized that he sees Vice not just as an endorser, but as a true advocate. Royeca made it clear that Vice Ganda’s involvement isn’t about fame or payment, but about a shared commitment to the cause.

“…For me, I don’t see her as an endorser, I see her as a co-advocate. And even when we talk, and we’re in rallies together, she really advocate. She knows what she’s talking about. She knows a lot about my industry. She knows what we’ve been fighting for. She’s been with us every step of the way helping. So, iba ito e. I think it’s just slightly different and it so happens that she’s the biggest star in the country which I’m very grateful for. Pero talagang pareho kaming advocate dito kaya siya nandito. Hindi ito talent fee.”

ANGKASangga’s advocacy is rooted in three core values: Dignidad, Karapatan, Kinabukasan (Dignity, Rights, and Future). The party-list is committed to fighting for the rights and recognition of motorcycle taxi riders, as well as uplifting the broader informal sector—a workforce that has long operated without proper protection or representation.

ANGKASangga 107 is pushing for the Motorcycle Taxi For Hire Law to protect thousands of riders whose livelihoods remain uncertain due to the lack of formal regulation. The party-list also seeks the inclusion of two-wheel vehicles in the national transport agenda, promoting safe, fair, and consistent policies for both riders and passengers.

Beyond motorcycle riders, ANGKASangga is also advocating for the tricycle sector with the proposed Magna Carta for TODA, which aims to provide benefits like accident insurance and social protection for tricycle drivers and operators.

Through these reforms, the party-list envisions a future where informal workers are given the protection, opportunities, and recognition they deserve as key contributors to the nation’s transportation system and economy.

For Royeca, the mission is clear: it’s about fighting for the recognition and protection of all workers, especially those who are often overlooked by formal systems. With passionate allies like Vice Ganda, their fight continues with heart and purpose.