Backriding ban in Baguio lifted

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Backriding on motorcycles is now allowed in this city, but only for the immediate family members of the driver.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong advised those who wish to avail themselves of the privilege to get a certification from their barangay indicating the name of the driver, motorcycle plate number, names of the projected passengers and their relationship to the driver. 

Magalong said barangay officials should establish the kinship of the driver and the backrider.

The city council tackled the issue on Monday amid public clamor to exempt immediate family members from the ban on backriders issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Magalong, who attended the council meeting, said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año acknowledged that there are instances when local government officials know what works in their localities.

Magalong reminded motorcycle drivers to abide by existing laws and local policies related to motorcycle driving as well as general community quarantine protocols.

Under the public transport protocols issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and IATF, motorcycle riders are prohibited from having backride passengers. 

The DOTr and Land Transportation Office said backriding on motorcycles in areas under general community quarantine is considered overloading.