Motorcycle Back-riding For ‘Couples’ Now Allowed

UPDATE 1 (July 9, 2020 at 3:18 PM): According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, only married couples are allowed in motorcycle back-riding and will bring and present a photocopy of their marriage contract upon requirement.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año announced that motorcycle back-riding for couples will be allowed starting on Friday, July 10.

Back-riding has been prohibited since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the country and it has gained different reactions on social media.

Año said that the government will allow back-riding again, but will still have limitations and conditions.

Año then described a couple as those living in the same household, whether they are married or they are common-law husband and wife, or boyfriend and girlfriend.

IDs with the same surnames should be presented as proof of being married. For those who are not married, Año said that that IDs with the same address should suffice.

Married couples or not, as long as they are living in the same residence, will be allowed to ride a motorcycle together. Couples should present any valid ID to prove that they are living in the same roof.

“Simula bukas, papayagan na natin ‘yung backriding para sa mga couple at ‘yung prototype model na isinubmit ni Gov. Art Yap ay approved na ‘yan ng NTF (National Task Force),” said Año in a TV interview.

Prototype

A prototype model for motorcycle back-riding submitted by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap will be used, Año said.

Image source: Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo

In the governor’s prototype, a barrier will be present between the rider and the passenger. The said barrier will have handlebars on each side for the passenger to hold on to while back-riding. The barrier would reach above the head of the passengers as to assure the protection of each from COVID-19.

Drivers and passengers, however, should also observe safety measures even though there is a protective shield between them.

“Kailangan mag-wear pa rin ng mask at saka ng crash helmet ‘yung ating passenger at rider,” Año said. (MLC)