Motorcycle barriers not needed for residents of same house

MANILA: The JTF (Joint Task Force) COVID-19 Shield announced last night that people living in the same house no longer need a motorcycle barrier when they ride together.

“All they have to do is to present proof that they indeed live in the same house to avoid being apprehended and cited for violation of the motorcycle back-riding,” said JTF COVID-19 Shield commander Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar.

Motorcycle barriers will only be required for people who ride together but don’t live in the same household.

This adjustment in the motorcycle barrier policy comes after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who chairs JTF COVID-19 Shield, approved the proposal of the task force to ease the restrictions on married and living-in couples, family members and people who are not related but live in the same house.

All police commanders have been instructed to disseminate the revision in the motorcycle barrier policy so that it reaches quarantine control points in and around Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan.

Eleazar warns motorcycle drivers and passengers that they still must be an of Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) in order to be allowed to go through quarantine control points and that the motorcycle is not a ‘for hire’ unit.

“The driver of the motorcycle may or may not be an APOR. Also, both riders should also wear face masks and full-face helmets that must be worn all the time while back-riding,” added Eleazar.

Local government units in areas under the Modified GCQ (general community quarantine) are allowed to either adapt the same rules or implement their own policies on motorcycle back riding. 

Photo courtesy of Angkas

Also read: DILG: Motorcycle barrier not a safety issue, LGBT can ride together