Locsin: Bicycle registration a ‘racket’

MANILA, Philippines — The mandatory registration of bicycles is a “racket” of officials interested in making money, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)  for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, in a resolution dated May 15, allowed the use of bicycles and other non-motorized modes of transportation, since these comply with social distancing requirements as one-passenger vehicles.

The IATF said it would also require local government units to put up bicycle lanes.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella announced on Saturday the requirement on mandatory registration of bicycles and their use in Cebu City streets suspended indefinitely effective June 6.

“You mean bicycle? Another registration racket that serves the most important public interest: that of officials interested in making money out of the public. F**k them,” Locsin posted on Twitter Saturday night, reacting to a tweet calling bicycle registration “stupid.”

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering classifying bicycles and electronic gadgets among the basic or essential goods it monitors due to the high demand during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said the DTI is looking into recommending the inclusion of bicycles in the list of basic or essential goods as part of revisions to Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act being pushed in Congress.

The law seeks to ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ronnie Ong yesterday called on the IATF to amend its prohibition on motorcycle back riders to allow couples to travel together.

“Instead of completely banning motorcycle riders to have a back rider, the IATF should just issue special identification cards or exemption passes for couples and family members in order to allow them to travel together,” Ong proposed.

The congressman said the IATF should also consider the sacrifices and hardships that the public is going through because of the inadequacy of public transport.

Ong said the issuance of special IDs for couples and other family members whose only mode of transport is through their motorcycles would be a “win-win solution” for all concerned, both government and the public in general as people start reporting back to work.

As a requirement, the issuing agency should require documents, including but not limited to marriage certificates, barangay certificate of residency, and such to prove relationship status from ID/exemption pass applicants.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año claimed that back-riding is still prohibited under general community quarantine because this is a violation of existing health protocols laid down by the IATF.

He claimed that the back-rider might get the virus while at work and could transmit the disease if the couple ride the same motorcycle on their way home. Delon Porcalla