Only for married couples: Backriding OK’d

CEBU, Philippines —  Married couples can now ride together in motorcycles as long as they comply with minimum standards and the mandatory use of body shields that would avoid direct physical contact between the driver and his passenger, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said yesterday.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed the same, saying it will cover both married couples and live-in partners.

But the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas said that no backriding will be allowed pending the issuance of a directive from the Department of Transportation.

“Backriding is allowed between married couples,” Roque said in a virtual press briefing yesterday.

He cited that need to install the shield that would be used as separator even among the riding couples.

The proposal is up for the final approval today of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, which also okayed the prototype shield proposed by Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap.

“The couple must abide with minimum public health standards, such as wearing face masks and helmet, and follow the speed limits,” Roque said, referring also to need to obey with traffic signs and regulations.

Roque reiterated that the new regulation to be released today (Friday) will cover only married couples. They are requested to always bring identification cards and even a photocopy that they are married and living under one roof.

The new road courtesy will not cover the operations of motorcycle-riding apps, such as Angkas, whose franchise has already lapsed, Roque said.

“Inuulit po natin na itong backriding po ay para lamang sa mga mag-asawa, para lang sa mga pribado, hindi po kasama diyan ang Angkas dahil nawala na po ang prangkisa ng Angkas,” he said.  “At ito po ay magiging epektibo bukas po, dahil bukas pormal na aaprubahan po ng National Task Force itong back riding with shield bagama’t ito po ay approved in principle ng ating IATF.”

Pressed further why relatives or a father and son cannot ride in tandem, Roque said the public clamor came only from married couples initially.

No guidelines yet

Año also said that backriding in motorcycles will now be allowed for couples and live-in partners starting today.

This upon the condition that they should use motorcycles with protective shields between both riders in compliance with the guidelines set by IATF.

“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 statement yesterday.

But LTO-7 Director Victor Caindec said while the Department of Transportation has not issued any order to that effect, the "no backride policy" stays as the administrative order that says so has not yet been repealed.

As of 5:30 p.m. yesterday, the regional agency had not received any order yet.

“We are happy with this development that finally the IATF has changed their position on this matter. But ang LTO dili man under sa DILG. Magpaabot lang sa mi sa guidelines from DOTr so that we can properly implement it,” Caindec said.

Año said that despite allowing backrides for couples, the public must still be cognizant of the proper protocols set by the IATF which include the installation of protective barriers in the motorcycle. He also said that the policies on wearing face masks in public will also be strictly implemented by authorities.

Lapu-lapu City Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan, who has been vocal about his appeal to allow Backriding, expressed his thanks to Año.

“Nagpasalamat ako sa atong DILG Sec. Eduardo Año sa maong desisyon. Usa kini sa atong mga hangyo nga dugay nang gipanawagan sa mga Oponganon,” Chan said in his Facebook page. — with Philippine Star News Service. JMD (FREEMAN)