PRRD Seeks Suspension of Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act

Amid the clamor from various motorcycle groups against the recent legislation imposing two bigger license plates for motorcycles, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Saturday, expressed his willingness to suspend the implementation of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

Speaking to over 2,000 motorcycle enthusiasts during the 25th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs in the Philippines (NFMCP) Annual Convention held at the Iloilo Convention Center here, President Duterte said he would talk to Senator Richard Gordon, author of Republic Act 11235, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), about his proposal.

“I will try to convince the LTO to maybe hang on to it. I-suspend ko lang muna. Kasi it is not good,” he said, which generated applause from the audience.

Duterte, who is a motorcycle enthusiast himself, underscored the danger of mounting bigger number plates on the front of every motorcycle.

“It is dangerous to place another gadget, lalo na may kanto. May kanto ‘yang plate number eh. It could be a plastic or it could be aluminum but still with an impact na ganon, tutusok ‘yan sa helmet mo. Delikado eh. Anything that is sharp there, hindi maganda,” he said.

He suggested a “compromise” to have larger plate number at the back instead.

“As a compromise, ganito. Lakihan na lang ninyo ang plate number sa likod by one fourth. One fourth lang, dagdagan mo lang ng ganon. Lakihan mo lang para makita talaga ‘yung number,” he said.

Duterte also expressed concern that the prescribed fine between P50,000 and P100,000 for those who will be caught without bigger license plates was too high.

“I-compromise siguro. I’m willing 10,000 to 15,000, okay na ‘yan. Pero kung maari, you go to the barest minimum,” the President said.

Republic Act 11235 was signed by President Duterte on March 8.

Under this law, motorcycles are required to have larger, more readable number plates both at the front and back of their vehicles, as a way to prevent crimes committed by persons riding on motorcycles.

President Duterte added that he signed the new law considering the recommendations of the police and the military. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)