CEBU, Philippines — A barrier between motorcycle riders is no longer required in areas under general community quarantine starting August 19, 2020 if the riders live in the same house.
The barrier was required earlier as a preventive measure against COVID-19 but many local government units opposed the requirement, pointing out that many motorists don’t have other means of traveling, especially with the limited public transportation during quarantine.
The barrier also drew flak from engineers, driving experts, and the public who questioned its integrity as a protective mechanism – even calling it impractical, especially if the ones riding the motorcycle are married or live-in couples.
Several road accidents have occurred because of the barrier but some Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) officials still defended it, saying those who figured in the accidents did not use the recommended barriers.
Tuesday night, the National Task Force released new guidelines that “allow riders living in the same house not to use a motorcycle barrier anymore so long as the back rider is an APOR (Authorized Person Outside of Residence).”
Approved Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) are individuals who are in government or those allowed to work in industries permitted to operate under IATF guidelines. A list of these industries has been released by the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units.
Interior and local government Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said those living in the same household should show IDs with the same address as proof to Quarantine Control Points or to police officers conducting random checks on motorists.
“Valid ID showing that both riders live in the same residence will be accepted by the Philippine National Police and traffic enforcers. The back rider must be an APOR while the driver may or may not be an APOR,” Malaya said.
Meanwhile, other motorcycle owners can still transport riders not from the same house but they will have to use a barrier approved by the National Task Force. The motorcycle must also be privately owned and not for hire.
For APORS backriding, a certificate of employment or other similar documents that have a specific address may be presented at checkpoints in the absence of an ID.
Malaya also said the driver and back rider must wear masks and full-face helmets at all times during the trip.
In areas under MECQ, the city or municipal mayor has the discretion to adopt or implement these guidelines depending on the situation in their localities.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) - 7 welcomed the task force’s decision.
“We have always been recognizing that motorcycles are an essential part of transportation modality especially during now that public transport is limited,” said Regional Director Victor Caindec.
“We will continue to our mandate in ensuring roadworthiness for the safety of everyone,” he added.
Reactions
“The barrier to common sense has finally been lifted,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto in a statement.
“No IATF rule triggered the greatest resistance and launched the most jokes. And the fact that they stonewalled for a long time and stubbornly defended it, despite evidence to the contrary, inflicted damage on their reputation,” the senator said.
In Cebu, Board Member Glenn Soco, one of those who helped channel sentiments to IATF, is happy with the development.
“I am very happy with this development. We in the Provincial Board made an appeal regarding this barrier requirement,” Soco told The Freeman.
The decision, he said, shows the government listens to its people.
“It only shows that we have a listening government. It is at these times that we should ease the burden on our people and focus on reviving our economy,” Soco said.
Citing statistics from 2018, there are at least 6,174,300 registered motorcycles in the Philippines. In Cebu, one out of 23 Cebuanos own a motorcycle.
In Bogo City in northern Cebu, Mayor Carlo Jose Martinez signed an executive order allowing backriding without a barrier.
Bogo Councilor Noel Seno told The Freeman that habal-habal drivers are still not allowed to operate.
In Talisay City in the south, Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas reminded residents who are allowed to travel in a motorcycle to always wear a mask and helmet.
“Despite the laxing of restriction for backriders, giawhag gihapon nako tanan Talisaynon nga mag-amping gihapon ug padayon gihapon ta musunod sa mga quarantine protocols ilabi na ang pagsul-ob ug face masks,”
(Despite the restriction for backriders being loosened, I urge all Talisaynons to stay safe and always follow quarantine protocols, especially the wearing of mask.)
International road racing champion Mario Borbon, Jr. of Cebu who earlier expressed his concern on the danger of the barrier is also glad of the decision. He, himself, uses a motorcycle to go around.
“Naka-huna-huna na gyud tawn sila siguro nga delikado ang barriers. Useless kaayo tong butang-butang ug barrier unya usa ray gipuy-an nga balay. Mas kuyaw na gyud hinoon to labi na karon nga ting uwan nya hangin-hangin… kuyaw na nuon maligid ang rider inig kupot sa nag-back ride,” he said.
(They must have realized, finally, that the barrier is dangerous. It is useless if the riders live in the same house. It is even more dangerous these days with constant rain and winds. There is a danger for the rider to lose control when the backrider holds on to the barrier.)
In Cebu City, Councilor Joel Garganera said the new rule may be difficult to enforce.
“I think this is a difficult policy to implement considering that there’s little to no way that we’ll be able to verify that they are indeed living in the same household. Anybody can claim that they are from the same household,” he said.
He also said there is a need to study the effectivity and reliability of the barrier because “I think there’s some rule on physics to it which only experts will know.”
“The motorcycle barrier, if not properly designed, poses more hazard than the virus itself,” Garganera said. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon JMO (FREEMAN)