MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle-hailing firm Angkas has found an ally from government in its bid to be allowed to operate as a public transport.

Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Jose Ma. Concepcion III expressed his support for Angkas, which he described as a “game-changer” in bringing prosperity to micro-entrepreneurs.

“With Angkas providing a market place for people who need a quick ride, motorcycle owners can now offer their services on a private basis,” he said in a statement.

“Angkas can be considered as a marketplace, which does not employ the driver. Same as how another ride-hailing app, Grab, does. It just provides a platform for riders who are now entrepreneurs to directly connect to their passengers,” Concepcion added.

He said Angkas is a model similar to how brick-and-mortar businesses put classified ads in the newspaper on a Sunday where the seller advertises his products and the buyer will just call if interested.

Concepcion said Angkas is no different from ride-hailing firm Grab, which also provides for a platform for riders.

Concepcion also welcomed the decision of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade creating a technical working group (TWG) that will discuss the viability of having two-wheeled vehicles operating as a public transportation service.

He vouched for the safety of the riding platform, noting that Angkas has a record of safety where all its drivers are properly trained and have to pass through a stringent driving test, leading to a safety record of 99.99 percent.

“Thank you to our partner in government, Sec. Art Tugade, for keeping an open mind. Let’s give every Filipino a chance to succeed in life,” Concepcion said.