Motorcycle backriding ok for family members

CEBU, Philippines — Motorcycle backriders are now allowed under the modified policy on social distancing of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) provided that the backrider is an immediate family of the driver.

Land Transportation Office-7 director Victor Caindec said they have agreed to redefine the scope of the policy following several complaints from the public because of the prohibition on motorcycle backriding regardless of the relationship of the backrider to the driver.

Under the original policy, motorcycle riders are prohibited from driving with another person riding at their back. The policy applies not only to motorcycle taxis and habal-habal but to all, including private motorcycles.  

The public described the policy to be devoid of reason considering that covered in the prohibition are members of the family---a wife cannot be a backrider of her husband.

Acting on the public sentiments, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino met with Caindec to reassess the policy.

Caindec said they have agreed to allow backriders only if he or she is an immediate family of the driver. They will be required to present proof of relationship.

“No one has reversed anything. We just defined the scope in clearer terms,” Caindec said.

Caindec also clarified that they have yet to start apprehending violators. He said they are still on the process of information dissemination to ensure that all motorcycle riders are aware of the social distancing measure.

He clarified that habal-habal operations, including motorcycle-hailing apps, are suspended under this measure.

The DOTr came out with the guidelines on social distancing amid the contagion. Cebu City is currently under general community quarantine because of COVID-19.  FPL (FREEMAN)