Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año announced today, July 9, that back-riding in motorcycles will now be allowed nationwide starting tomorrow, July 10 but only limited to married and live-in couples and with the guidance of strict health protocols in compliance with the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (AITF-MEID).
“Simula bukas, July 10, ay papayagan na natin ang back-riding ngunit sa couples lang muna. Alam naman natin ang sitwasyon ngayon, tumataas ang bilang ng mga positive cases. At least ang couple ay nakatira sa iisang bahay lang ‘yan,” Año said in a Teleradyo interview.
Año also said that installation of protective barriers in the motorcycle is a must and that policies on wearing face masks in public will also be strictly implemented by law-enforcers.
In line with the stricter health measure, a prototype design submitted by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap was adopted by the National Task Force for COVID-19 and shall be observed.
“Yung prototype model na sinubmit ni Gov. Arthur Yap, approved na ‘yan ng NTF at ito yung pinaka-prototype na gagamitin natin.” Año said.
“May barrier between rider and passenger pagkatapos may handle sa side nung barrier at the same time kailangan mag wear ng mask at nakahelmet yung rider at passenger,” he added.
Riding couples who will pass by quarantine control points or local checkpoints may also be ask by authorities for proof of identification and documents proving that they are indeed a couple. This means married couple shall have the same last name and common-law partners shall contain the same address.
Meanwhile, DILG Provincial and City Officer Virgilio Tagle, in an interview with Palawan Daily earlier said that as of press time, they haven’t received any memorandum from their central office enabling the measure announced by their Año.
“Hanggang ngayon sa oras na ‘to, wala pa tayong natatanggap na ganoong direktiba galling sa taas,” Tagle said.
Nevertheless, Tagle said that their central office may pass down the memorandum concerning the measure to the executory agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Pero nais natin linawin na ang implementation niyan ay sa PNP. Baka mamaya may direktiba na sakanila pero sa amin wala pa sa ngayon. Puwede nilang gawin na direct na sa kanila or sa local officials,” Tagle said.