Senate OKs bill replacing motorcycle double plates with RFID

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has approved a bill amending the “doble plaka” law, replacing motorcycle double plates with radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers.

Senate Bill 2555, which seeks to amend Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, was passed on final reading on Monday.

The implementation of the law was suspended in 2019 as motorcycle groups decried discrimination in requiring them to install bigger plates on the front and back, supposedly to help authorities crack down on crimes carried out by “riding in tandem” suspects.

The bill removed the provision requiring the use of bigger and more readable double plates, and replaced this with RFID for vehicle identification.

The law was criticized for its hefty fines set at P20,000 up to P100,000.

The measure reduced the fines to P5,000 up to P20,000.

The bill will give motorcycle owners until June 30, 2025 to renew their registration. The Land Transportation Office has until Dec. 31, 2025 to issue the required plates.

The bill extended the reporting time for lost or stolen plates or RFID stickers to 72 hours.

Sen. Francis Tolentino sponsored the measure.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said the bill is “another step toward ending the discrimination against motorcycle riders.”