DILG blames faulty barriers for accidents

MANILA, Philippines — Faulty construction and improper usage are to blame for the accidents involving motorcycle riders who use COVID-19 barriers, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said yesterday.

“The accidents are not because of the barriers but because of faulty construction and improper use. That is why we are appealing to our kababayan to follow the guidelines issued by the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19,” DILG spokeman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a Laging Handa press briefing.

He said some motorcycle owners used unauthorized materials such as glass for the barrier, meant to protect against the transmission of the virus between the driver and the backrider.

He said the barrier design, which was proposed and used in Bohol, is safe for use and underwent stringent studies before it was approved.

He said that there was a technical working group that approved the use of the barriers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only couples or domestic partners are allowed to backride on motorcycles.