MalacañanG is saying that motorcycle backriding may soon be allowed even in areas with strict community quarantine conditions.
The palace floated the idea on Saturday, June 20, 2020 as reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said guidelines would soon be created to ensure the safety of those who will engage in motorcycle backriding.
Roque revealed the news on a government-sponsored television program aired on state-run television network PTV 4 yesterday.
“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,” Roque said.
It can be remembered that the Department of Transportation imposed a “no motorcycle backride policy” nationwide as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus causing Covid infection.
Earlier, President Duterte said he is not going to allow motorcycle backriding as social distancing is impossible to be observed.
According to Roque the Departments of Health and Science and Technology together with the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Bureau of Philippine Standards were ordered by the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) to look for safe and effective ways to ensure safety in motorcycle backriding amid the pandemic.
The IATF on Friday, June 19, 2020, approved through Resolution 47, motorcycle backriding in principle amid the calls from local government units (LGUs) to allow the transport option.
In Bohol, Gov. Arthur Yap asked the Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Año to allow motorcycle backriding but the former’s plea fell into deaf ears.
Last June 12, 2020, the provincial government sent to the IATF a proposal for motorcycle modification where a plastic barrier separates the backrider from the motorcycle driver in an attempt to have social distancing.
As of Friday, June 19, 2020, Yap said the provincial government has yet to receive word regarding the proposal on the motorcycle modification.
The provincial government proposed a plastic barrier to be placed in between the driver and the backrider to prevent the spread of the virus while riding the motorcycle, in effect, this will enable people riding the motorcycle to observe social distancing.