By Vanne Elaine Terrazola Senators welcomed on Tuesday the decision of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) technical working group (TWG) to continue the pilot testing of motorcycle taxis. Senator Grace Poe (Senator Grace Poe's Official Facebook Page / MANILA BULLETIN) Senator Grace Poe described as a "triumph for commuters" the announcement of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) member and TWG head Antonio Gardiola that motorcycle-hailing services would still be allowed to operate as the TWG decided to continue its study on motorcycles-for-hire. "The continuation of the pilot operation of motorcycle taxi is a triumph for commuters in need of alternative mode of transportation," Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, said in a statement. "Traffic congestion and the rising demand for mobility are pressing reasons for us to consider regulating the motorcycle taxi industry," she added. Sen. Joel Villanueva, who also questioned the sudden termination of the pilot run Monday, said he was also happy with the TWG's about-face. "Ito po ang sinasabi natin sa pagdinig kahapon tungkol sa motorcycle taxis. Huwag po tayo magpadalos-dalos sa ating mga desisyon, lalo na kung makakaapekto ito sa maraming tao (This is what we are saying during yesterday's hearing on motorcycle taxis. We should not make decisions in haste, especially if this would affect people)," he said. "We're glad that the technical working group studying the viability of motorcycle taxis as public transports has come to its senses," he added. The decision to push through with the extended pilot run of motorcycle taxis came shortly a day after Gardiola said on Monday that the TWG would terminate its study on the viability of motorcycles as a mode of public transport and declare them "illegal" starting next week. Senators, who were then conducting a hearing on the issue, slammed the move and saw it as an act of revenge by the TWG after being challenged by motorcycle-hailing company Angkas in courts. "It's a childish move on the part of the LTFRB kasi kitang kita na galit at ganti itong nangyaring statement nila at bawal na lahat ng itong mga motorcyle taxis na ito (because it is very clear that their statement about banning all these motorcycle taxis was full of anger and revenge," Villanueva said in an earlier interview with ANC also Tuesday. Gardiola, in an interview with CNN Philippines, said they considered the "sentiments" of the lawmakers and will meet with the motorcycle-hailing companies to iron out the guidelines of the pilot run. Poe said she hopes that the concerned agencies "will devote adequate time and effort to thoroughly study its viability and safety, and come up with a comprehensive report that could aid Congress in legislating appropriate law" about the regulation of motorcycle taxis. Villanueva also warned the TWG against "resorting to childish tactics." "Their mandate comes from the LTFRB and their purpose is to help create a regulatory framework. Let bygones be bygones, and the TWG must buckle down to work," he said. He also urged the players in the motorcycle-taxi pilot run to cooperate with the TWG and refrain from filing charges.