On 'doble plaka' law
Buhay party-list says it will move to repeal the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, also called the "Doble Plaka" law, saying the law "was passed rashly, without careful consideration of the potential consequences."
In a statement, Rep. Lito Atienza says the best way to curb criminals on motorcycles is "relentless police action" and not the larger license plates that the law requires and that riders' groups say pose risks.
"Guns for hire are becoming more daring not because of motorcycles. They are getting bolder simply because they are not getting caught fast enough," he says.
According to legislative records, Atienza did not vote when the House approved its version of the bill on third and final reading last November.
Sen. Richard Gordon calls anew for the immediate implementation of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, citing recent crimes by gunmen on motorcycles.
"We really have to do something to stop these killings with impunity. That is why I am calling on the LTO (Land Transportation Office) to craft the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of RA 11235 as soon as possible so we could immediately implement it. Because this law is meant to obviate crimes perpetrated by criminals using motorcycles as get-away vehicles," he says in a press statement published on the Senate website.
The law requires motorcycle owners to install bigger license plates on the front and back of their vehicles and imposes stiff penalties for failure to do so.
The law is unpopular in the motorcycle community, with groups saying large plates in the front of the motorcycle pose a safety risk. They also say the law makes it seem that all motorcycle riders are criminals.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo says President Duterte may ask Congress to amend the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act if it contains provisions that will compromise the safety of riders.
— Alexis Romero
The Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, which mandates larger license plates on the front and rear of motorcycles, is not discriminatory and will benefit everyone, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde says.
Thousands of motorcycle riders across the country held "unity rides" on Sunday to protest the law, which they say poses safety risks because large plates in front may affect handling. Riding a motorcycle without the new plates is penalized with a fine of from P50,000 to P150,000 and confiscation of the unit.
Riders' groups, including the Motorcycle Rights Organization, said the government is unfairly treating motorcyclists like criminals.
"I don't think that is discrimination," Albayalde says in a press briefing on Monday. "This is part of security. The security of the Philippines, not just for anybody. This is for all of us," he also said in Filipino.
"Remember that these riding-in-tandem [crimes] are perpetrated by suspects riding motorcycles," he adds. He says that motorcycle license plates currently in use are too small, making it difficult to read the license numbers of those involved in crimes.
He adds that the Land Transportation Office has been implementing a new design for license plates. That new design covers plates those that are for motorcycles and that motorcycle riders point out have yet to be issued.
The Freeman also reports that motorcycle clubs in Cebu are participating in the protest.
LOOK: Motorcycle clubs in Cebu join Unity Ride against Republic Act 11235 which requires bigger front and rear license plates. | via Joy Torrejos pic.twitter.com/VtpP5861aa
— The Freeman (@TheFreemanNews) March 24, 2019
An estimated 10,000 motorcycle riders joined the "Unity Ride," News 5 reports.
LOOK | Around 10, 000 motorcycle riders join the unity ride to condemn the "Doble Plaka" law. (via @News5AKSYON/ @jenCalimonTV5) pic.twitter.com/5EMEkCmDoL
— ONE News PH (@onenewsph) March 24, 2019
The "Unity Ride" has created traffic buildup at the northbound lane from Ortigas to Santolan as of 9:50 a.m., commuter Nherz Almo tells Philstar.com.
Motorcycle riders gathered today at the People Power Monument on EDSA to protest the "doble plaka" law.
#AsItHappens: Photos from a commuter show traffic buildup at the northbound lane from Ortigas to Santolan as of 9:50 a.m. Motorcycle riders gathered at the People Power Monument for a "Unity Ride" protesting the "doble plaka" law. | ???? Nherz Almo
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) March 24, 2019
More: https://t.co/W7TYmKaLdF pic.twitter.com/3DBFVM5Joa
Motorcycle riders conduct a "Unity Ride" to protest the implementation of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (Republic Act 11235 ) or what they call the "doble plaka" law.
The bill signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 8 seeks to prevent motorcycle riding criminals from getting away easily after committing a crime.
Riders' groups say the law is discriminatory and disregarded input from the motorcycling community. They have called on fellow motorcycle riders not to vote for lawmakers who supported the passage of the bill.
The Motorist Motorcycle Rights Organization also expresses worry over the proposed bigger plates design which may break at high speeds and compromise the safety of riders.
WATCH: Motorcycle riders pass through the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Sunday as part of their Unity Ride protest condemning the implementation of "Doble Plaka". (Video by Michael Varcas/The Philippine STAR) pic.twitter.com/tgVUVpxMDj
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) March 24, 2019
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