Año says another proposal for motorcycle barrier yet to be approved

July 10, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said another proposal for a different motorcycle barriers has yet to be approved by the Interagency Task Force (IATF).

In a TV interview, Año defended the decision of the government on using motorcycle barriers.

“That is the requirement of the DOH (Department of Health) that there should be a barrier between the rider and the passenger. That is the policy from the IATF and the NTF (National Task Force on COVID) is only the implementer,” he said.

He added the prototype design from the local government of Bohol was the first  approved by the IATF but the government is still studying a design submitted by George Royeca, chief transport advocate of Angkas.

“We are still waiting for the approval of another application from Angkas… once approved, it can also be used… what is important is there should be a barrier,” said Año.

Año said the proposed design by Angkas is a vest-type barrier where the rider will wear and where the passenger can hold.

He added this design is the same one as being used in Indonesia.

In terms of the safety concern raised by riding groups, Año said with or without it, accidents happen.

“It’s in the driver… maybe with a barrier, they will be more careful in driving,” he said.

IATF approved back riding for couples as long as they are living under one roof and there will be a barrier between them.

According to Joint Task Force COVID Shield, no untoward incidents were recorded on the first day that back riding is allowed.

The task force received reports that some have been insisting to pass the quarantine control points without observing the minimum health and safety equipment.

Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, JTF commander, urged all  motorcycle riders to respect law enforcers manning the Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) by obeying the rules set by the National Task Force Against COVID-19) allowing back-riding as a means of transportation.

Eleazar said acts of defiance through various alibis would only result to unnecessary confrontation that would only affect the smooth traffic flow at the QCPs.

“The set of rules for motorcycle back riding is a balance between safety and the necessity of transportation. Our motorists have long requested for this and now that it was finally granted, please do not abuse it,” he said.

Eleazar said the policy for back riding has yet to be finalized but as it was allowed starting July 10 due to the public clamor over limited public transportation.

He added the NTF Against COVID-19 has crafted initial guidelines sent to the JTF COVID Shield for implementation such as wearing minimum personal protective equipment including face masks for coronavirus and helmets.

Policemen were tasked to ensure that barriers are safe.

Those who have back riders must present proof that there are married or couples who are living under one roof.

“These are the basic rules required for the motorcycle riders to pass the QCPs. We appeal to the public not to make any further alibi to justify any violation of these rules, otherwise, it will only result to your inconvenience,” Eleazar said.

 “Let us first follow the rules set for back riding because in the coming days, there will be more implementation of new policies that would ease the transportation problems and address other concerns of the public,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS