Deadline to install motorcycle shield extended to July 26

MANILA: The deadline for the installation of the highly controversial motorcycle safety shield has been extended for seven days, from July 19 to July 26 (Sunday).

This comes after JTF (Joint Task Force) COVID Shield consulted with the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) through general manager Jojo Garcia, the PNP-HPG (Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group) led by Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz and George Royeca, designer of the Angkas-made model.

According to JTF COVID Shield commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the proposal for the extension was approved by the NTF (National Task Force). It was meant to give motorcycle owners and riders more time to install either the Angkas-type barrier or the design by Bohol governor Arthur Yap.

“As per our Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo Año, from the original July 19, the deadline for motorcycle riders to comply with the required barrier for pillion riding is now moved to July 26,” said Eleazar.

Since the announcement of the initial July 19 deadline, motorcycle riders have asked for an extension to be able to comply with the mandate by the NTF to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Eleazar has already coordinated with the PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa in order for the information regarding the new deadline be disseminated to all policemen stationed at quality control points across the country.

“We hope that the two-week grace period is more than enough for motorists to conform to the safety standards of the two approved designs to ensure the safety of both the driver and the riders,” added Eleazar.

In the meantime, motorcycles with two passengers onboard without a safety barrier will be warned until July 27 (Monday) when apprehensions and fines will be meted out to violators.

Photos courtesy of the Department of Transportation Facebook page

Also read: Moto riders have until July 19 to install barrier