Palace ready to address riders' concerns on 'Doble Plaka' law

'There’s an order to suspend. Whether or not it will continue will have to depend on the president.'

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is ready to address the concerns of riders on the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act by inserting safeguards in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) or supporting amendments to the law.

The law requires bigger, color-coded number plates on motorcycles that are readable from the front, back and side of the motorcycle from a distance of at least 15 meters. Violators will be slapped with 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.

Some motorcyclist groups are opposed to the law, saying bigger front tin plates may cause injuries if detached. Critics also claim that the law is discriminatory and creates the impression that many motorcycle users are criminals. 

Last Saturday, President Duterte said he would seek the suspension of the law, citing the safety concerns raised by motorcycle riders groups about the tin number plates. The president also described the fines against violators as "too high."

He promised to meet with law's author Sen. Richard Gordon to come up with compromise. Gordon has said the law could not be suspended because it has already been signed by the president. 

READ: ‘It’s not good, it’s dangerous’: Duterte seeks to suspend ‘doble plaka’ policy

Panelo: Maybe president meant check basis for riders' concerns

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo admitted that Dutetre may have been misled into believing that the putting of the number plate on the front side of the motorcycle could endanger the rider. If Gordon's claim that the number plate could be a sticker, fears that it could injure a rider when detached is "baseless," he added.

"Perhaps what the president meant was 'Wait, check it first, it may be dangerous. Check if the fears have basis. And then if it is really dangerous, then he (Duterte) will ask Congress to amend it."

"Why should you be pursuing a law which you feel and to be something dangerous when it is implemented?...You will ask Congress to amend it immediately," he added. 

RELATED: LTO: Decals an option in 'Doble Plaka' motorcycle law

Panelo noted that a law cannot be enforced without the IRR, which he said, can also be used to address the safety concerns of motorcycle riders. He said the IRR may define the number plate as a decal or a sticker, not something made of tin.

"If they are okay with that, then there's no more danger, Panelo said, adding that there is no need to amend the law if the issues are resolved through the IRR. 

Panelo said it would be up to the Land Transportation Office to recommend measures that would allow the law to meet its objective while ensuring the safety of riders. He said the administration prefers the "fastest" resolution to the issue. 

"If you can cure it through the IRR, cure it. With regard to the P100,000 penalty, if the penalty is hefty, I don’t think anybody will still violate," he said. 

Asked if the president's call to "suspend" the law is final, Panelo replied: "There’s an order to suspend. Whether or not it will continue will have to depend on the President."