Año tells motorcycle riders to follow rules

August 7, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday told motorcycle riders there is no normal now that the country is under a pandemic crisis due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Año made the statement as there are still riders who are against using a motorcycle barrier, which was implemented by the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

“Whatever you do, there will be someone who will criticize because there is freedom and they don’t have the responsibility of saving lives against COVID because they are in no position. Maybe if I’m not in the position, I will criticize also,” he said.

“So let us be practical. We are in a pandemic and in a pandemic, there is no normal. You have to adopt, dance, and manage the virus (is) very important. The bottomline (is) saving lives,” he said.

Año said the one who is responsible once there is an outbreak are  health workers, frontliners, local and national government, and not those who are criticizing.

He then urged them to study the issue and try using the barrier, especially the designs approved by the government.

“What will happen is they will also be a victim and will be sick, then they will still run to the national, local governments… Again, what is needed is to study the issue,” Año said.

“As I said there is no problem with their expertise when it comes to motorcycles but don’t say that you are also expert on pandemic,” he said.

For those who are criticizing him for not knowing how to ride a motorcycle, Año said he used motorcycles when he was a soldier.

“I know how to ride a motorcycle. I know how to backride so again study the issues first before giving a comment and wait until you get infected… your  life will change once you or any member of your family  get sick,” he said.

Año said using motorcycle barriers under new normal is not only being done here but also in other countries like Indonesia.

“What they say is wearing helmet and face mask is enough but based on our reviews in CCTVs and videos along the roads, 30 percent of riders after a while are pulling their face shield… maybe it’s hot or because of the traffic… that’s instinct,” Año said

“That is where the transmission happens. Now with the barrier shield, even if you remove your helmet by instinct, you are still protected,” he added.

He told riders who don't want to use a barrier shield and using safety as an excuse  not have a backrider.

“When you use a barrier shield of course you will follow the speed limit... Now, if you are having a hard time, you cannot adjust, don’t have a backrider. That’s fine. We have freedom here,”  Año said.

For those who will use the motorcycle pillion for business, Año warned that they will strictly monitor this.

“That is not allowed. We are going to monitor these activities. Right now, we are under MECQ and our priority is to serve the health workers (and) APORs ( authorized persons outside residence). So it is not allowed to (be) used  for business,” Año said. Ella Dionisio/DMS