In it for the ride: ‘Mister Angkas’ George Royeca runs for Congress to champion his advocacy for workers
“Mister Angkas” George Royeca, the man behind Angkas, is making a significant leap from the ride-hailing app’s helm to the political arena. Running for Congress with his party-list Angkasangga, aims to champion the rights and welfare of riders and the vast informal workforce that sustains the Philippine economy. His campaign, as he explained in Zoom interview with members of the press, is a continuation of his advocacy, now seeking a larger platform for change, and not just a political endeavor.
A rider’s ally
“We’re an ally of the of the riders. And our number in the ballot is 107. One-zero-seven,” Royeca stated, emphasizing his deep connection to the rider community. His party-list focuses on livelihood, addressing the critical needs of workers often overlooked by traditional systems. “Essentially, our focus is really livelihood,” he reiterated.
Royeca’s decision to enter politics stems from a desire to institutionalize the gains made for riders and expand support to a broader spectrum of informal workers. “I think it’s right time for somebody that’s in this sector to represent the sector,” he explained. He aims to create a legislative framework that caters to the unique challenges faced by 17 million Filipinos working in the informal sector, including those in entertainment, media, and delivery services.
Vice Ganda’s voice
Royeca’s campaign has garnered significant attention, particularly with the endorsement of well-loved host and comedian Vice Ganda. “Vice Ganda is one of the people endorsing the party-list. The reason for this is she herself is an informal worker in a sense, especially in the entertainment industry so we’ve been friends for a long time and we’ve been talking about the 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 noted.
Vice Ganda’s support extends beyond mere endorsement as she is seen as a co-advocate. “I don’t see her as an endorser. I see her as a co-advocate. And even when we talk and even when we’re in rallies together, she really advocates. She knows what she’s talking about,” Royeca shared. Their shared advocacy includes addressing the needs of the LGBT community and pushing for legislation like the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) bill. “The SOGIE bill is about recognition. Again, it’s very close to my heart,” he asserted.
From showbiz to advocacy
Royeca’s journey is marked by a diverse background that spans entertainment and technology. “I used to be a musical director, so I did a lot of scoring for some of the TV shows. I was also a floor director in a past life,” he revealed smilingly, highlighting his past within the entertainment industry. This experience gives him a unique insight into the challenges faced by workers in this sector.
His transition to technology and entrepreneurship led to the creation of Angkas, merging his passion for technology and motorcycles. “I’ve always been in technology even when I was in show business. I had several technology companies. I was a serial entrepreneur. I was a tech tech entrepreneur,” he explained.
A Vision for the Future: Institutionalizing Change
Royeca’s vision extends beyond immediate electoral success. “This is just the natural next step. Definitely in this for the long haul. I want to do that, and I know I can do that. And I’ve been doing that for the last eight years, and I want a bigger platform to be able to reach as many Filipinos as I can,” he stated.
His goal is to create a system that protects and empowers workers, providing them with essential benefits and infrastructure. “We need to really shift the paradigm,” Royeca said. He reiterated his intentions of pushing for the protection of informal workers and addressing their needs for training, healthcare, and even insurance.
As George Royeca navigates the political landscape, his commitment to the welfare of riders and informal workers remains steadfast and consistent in his interview. His campaign is proof to his dedication to creating a more equitable and supportive environment for millions of Filipinos.
With candid and straightforward answers, Royeca seems consistent with his intentions. It does look like he’s in it for the ride.
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