Palace urges critics to give law requiring larger motorcycle plates a chance

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang urged critics of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act to give the law a chance as some drivers oppose the requirement to place bigger plates on the front and back of motorcycles. 

The law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last March 8, requires motorcycles to have bigger, color-coded number plates that are readable from the front, back and side of the motorcycle from a distance of at least 15 meters.

A person who drives a motorcycle without a number plate or a readable number plate will be punished by a jail term of six months and one day to six years or a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000 or both.

Motorcycle drivers groups have raised a howl over the law, saying its requirements are discriminatory and may place riders at risk. They claimed that bigger front plates may be detached at high speeds or if there is a strong wind and may cause injury. 

READ: ‘No to doble plaka’: Thousands of motorcycle riders hold nationwide protest

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the public should support the new law, which was intended to make it easier for law enforcers to identify and arrest criminals on motorcycles. 

"The law should have been acted upon and supported long time ago," Andanar told state-run radio station dzRB last Friday. 

"We know that the law will have critics but this was passed for the benefit of the majority of our countrymen," he added. 

READ: PNP: No discrimination in requiring larger license plates for motorcycles

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan said the law should be implemented to determine if it is really effective in addressing crime. 

"We really need to find solutions. Others want the helmets removed... But if you require it, you will place the lives of riders at risk," Ablan said. 

"So this is the next best thing, which is to encourage the placing of plates that are visible. It's for your own protection... Let's give this law a chance and if it is not effective, they can always repeal the law. But give it a chance first. Let’s see if it will work," he added.

READ: Everyone should follow ‘doble plaka’ policy, Panelo says 

The Land Transportation Office has assured motorcycle drivers that the number plates required by the law would not be made of metal. Police officials have also given assurances that motorcycle drivers would not be discriminated against when they implement the law. 

Agencies are crafting the implementing rules and regulations of the law.