“Sir Geooorge! My God! Si Sir George Royeca, ang CEO ng Angkas. Magandang hapon po!” Vice Ganda’s signature enthusiasm filled the air as she welcomed George Royeca onto her YouTube channel. This wasn’t a regular celebrity interview we see on Vice’s vlog. The episode is a direct endorsement, a declaration of support for a man she believes can make a real difference in the Philippine Congress.
“Of course, ikaw talaga ang totoong pakay ko dito kasi gusto kitang makachikahan today at gusto kitang ipakilala sa mga ka-GV natin dito sa aking YouTube channel,” Vice explained. “So, ayan nga po, si Sir George Royeca, ang CEO ng Angkas. At siya rin po yung tinutulungan ko at ineendorso ko dahil tumatakbo siya sa party list ngayong papalapit na eleksyon –ang Angkasangga party list.”
But why George Royeca? Why Angkasangga? Vice addressed the questions head-on. “Marami kasing nagtatanong sa akin. Marami rin akong nababasa bakit daw nag-eendorso pa ako ng party list. Bakit daw ‘yung party list na ito ang ineendorso ko. Sino daw ba ito? Ano ba ito? Bakit dinidikit ko pa ‘yung pangalan ko sa ganitong party list? Pera-pera lang daw ba ito? Bakit daw itong ganitong party list ang iniendorso ko at bakit kayo? So, ngayon gusto ko kayong maipakilala sa aking mga subscribers para naman malaman din nila at magkaroon sila ng mas malawak na pang-unawa kung bakit nga sinusuportahan ko at ineendorso ko ang Angkasanga party list.”
George, known as “Mr. Angkas,” recounted the journey of transforming “habal-habal” from an illegal livelihood to a recognized profession. “Ako po, tawag po sa akin Mr Angkas dahil sinimulan po natin ang Angkas walang taon na nakaraan. Pre pandemic, mga 2016, 2017. Ipinaglaban natin yung habal-habal,” he said. He detailed the arduous 8-year battle, from courtrooms to street protests, culminating in legal recognition.
Vice highlighted the tangible impact “dahil nagkaroon ng maraming Pilipino ang nagkaroon ng instant trabaho dahil sa paggamit ng kanilang motor. Dati iligal yung trabaho nila. Ginawa nating legal. Pero hindi lang ‘yun nagbigay tayo ng mga iba’t ibang benepisyo galing sa gobyerno.” George elaborated on the benefits, including Pag-IBIG housing, accident insurance for both riders and passengers, and professionalization through training and standards.
“Pero hindi lang po pagiging ligal eh. Inakyat natin ‘yung antas,” George emphasized. “Ngayon professional Dati ilegal dati informal ngayon professional at kinikilala ng gobyerno.” This elevation of standards resonated deeply with Vice.
George explained his motivation for entering politics. “Alam mo nagkaroon ako na ng journey sinimulan ko yung Angkas. Before that talagang negosyante ako. Nakita ko talaga kung paano yung sa ginawa natin umangat yung antas ng kabuhayan ng maraming mga Pilipino na ginagamit yung motorsiklo sa hanap buuhay.” He wants to expand these opportunities to more motorcycle riders across the nation.
But what truly sealed Vice’s endorsement was George’s admiration for her unwavering principles. When asked what it is about Vice that he wishes people in position would emulate, the political newbie was quick to respond, “Vice, her principles. Even when she wasn’t famous yet, all the way down to her being famous, she has a set of principles, a set of standards that she wants to insist on. ‘Di ba? ‘Pag may show ‘yan, meron ‘yang standard na hindi mo pwedeng pakialaman. Kahit maliit na show, malaking show, ‘yung standard and the quality that she puts into it is really impressive. And I think sana, gayahin yan, tularan yan ng karamihan sa ating mamamayan that really wants to increase the standards of our profession, of our workforce.” He emphasized that this commitment to high standards aligns perfectly with his advocacy for uplifting the lives of motorcycle riders.
To delve deeper into George Royeca’s vision and platform, and to witness the fun yet meaningful conversation between Vice Ganda and the Angkas CEO, be sure to catch the full interview on Vice Ganda’s YouTube channel. Find out what led Vice to saying, “Naniniwala ako sa kanya. Suportahan natin siya. Hindi ako mapapahiya dito kay Sir George Royeca ng Angkasangga Party-list.“
WATCH HERE:
