Sitoy’s “riding-in-tandem ordinance” referred to public safety committee

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III wants to listen to the public sentiments on the proposed ordinance sponsored by his ally in the Provincial Board to prohibit riding-in-tandem for people who are not related to each other.

Although he has not seen a copy of the proposed ordinance of filed by Provincial Board member Arleigh Sitoy, Davide believes that it has a good purpose.

“Maybe there’s wisdom there sa proposal ni board member Sitoy,” said Davide, but said that he’s sure there are also other means to prevent crimes from happening.

The proposed ordinance was referred yesterday to the committee on public safety chaired by PB member Sun Shimura.

The proposed ordinance is aimed to mitigate the number of crimes made by riding-in-tandem or criminal elements who use motorcycles as the easiest means to escape.

The proposed measure, entitled “Motorcycle riding-in-tandem ordinance of Cebu” states that, “all motorcycle riding-in-tandem where the back rider is a female, spouse, relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity and a child between 7 to 10 years of age are allowed.”

 “All others are declared prohibited in the Province of Cebu, particularly male back riders who are not within the fourth degree of consanguinity of the driver,” the proposal added.

According to Sitoy’s proposal, the number of crimes involving motorcycle riding-in-tandem has rapidly increased and suspects are able to elude arrest since motorcycles can travel through traffic easier than four-wheel vehicles.

Under the proposal, if the driver of the motorcycle and the passenger fail to present proof of relation when accosted by law enforcers would be brought to the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Violators who do not want to be slapped with complaints would pay the fine of P1,000 for the first violation and P2,000 and P3,000 for the second and third violation, respectively.  (FREEMAN)