By Jelly Musico/PNA
MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said motorcycle groups can challenge before the courts the constitutionality of the new law requiring the use of bigger license plates in front and rear sections of their motorcycles.
“If they feel that it’s so unconstitutional, they can always raise that before the courts,” Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.
Last Sunday, thousands of riders from different motorcycle groups joined a nationwide ‘unity ride’ to oppose Republic Act 11235, or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017.
The new law, which aims to address the rising number of crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gunmen, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 8.
It ordered the Land Transportation Office to issue reflectorized license plates that are big enough to be read even from 12 to 15 meters away.
Panelo said everyone, including Duterte who is a known motorcycle enthusiast, should comply with the new law.
“Everyone should comply. No exception,” Panelo said.
He, however, clarified that Duterte, a former mayor of Davao City for over two decades before he won the presidency in 2016, has stopped riding the motorcycle.
“Bawal na sa kanya kasi di ba dami na niyang aksidente. (He is no longer riding motorcycle because of many accidents he experienced before),” Panelo said.
