Gov’t to allow motorcycle backriding pending IATF protocols

MANILA: Just days after Angkas proposed a plastic shield to separate driver from rider to the IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases), Malacañang announces that it may allow backriding — in principle.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, all the government is waiting for are the guidelines from the technical group of the IATF regarding the safety protocols for backriding in motorcycles.

“Pinapayagan na in principle ang back riding upon the approval of the requirements na ise-set ng technical working group. Hintay-hintay na lang po muna (We are allowing backriding in principle upon approval of the requirements set by the technical working group. Let’s just wait),” Roque said.

Assisting the IATF-EID in crafting the guidelines are the DOTr (Department of Transportation), DOST (Department of Science and Technology), DOH (Department of Health), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority), and the Bureau of Philippine Standards.

“[Sila ay> inatasan na mag-pulong at alamin ang pinakaligtas at pinaka-ebektibong paraan para mabawasan ang transmission sa backriding sa mga motorsiklo (They have been tasked to convene and determine the safest and most effective way to reduce the rate of transmission in backriding on motorcycles),” added Roque.

As per Resolution No. 47 released by the IATF-EID last June 19, 2020, “This mode of transportation is hereinafter allowed in principle, upon the approval of the requirement to be set by this Technical Working Group.”

Currently, backriding is prohibited under Republic Act 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and will be penalized as overloading, which comes with a fine of P2,000 to P3,000, if caught by enforcers.

In recent days, netizens and motorcycle riders have raised the issue of certain men and women in uniform caught backriding in motorcycles and were even observed getting away with it sans license plates, presumably to avoid tracing and identification.

Photo from the Department of Transportation Viber page, courtesy of Robertzon Ramirez

Also read: LGUs warned to strictly enforce ‘no backriding’ policy for motorcycles