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. "I know this sector inside out. I understand the business side, the ecosystem, the regulatory hurdles, and, most importantly, I understand the individual heroes that keep it all running," said Royeca. He noted the need to "reframe" how people see informal workers. "They are not just workers; they are entrepreneurs in their own right," he said. Royeca said formalizing the work of the informal workers is the next step in building a "truly inclusive, resilient and sustainable city." He also stressed the importance of informal sector workers, whom he described as the "people who form the foundation of model cities." He said they are considered informal since "they do not neatly fit into the traditional systems of employment." "They are often treated as an afterthought. Even if they work tirelessly, they are rarely acknowledged. Just because their work is not formally recognized, it does not mean that it is not essential," Royeca said. "They are a vital force in our economy."