Defense Secretary and NTF Chairperson Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the proposed protective shield design by ride-hailing firm Angkas for motorcycle back riding has been approved.
Lorenzana reiterated that back riding for the meantime “will be strictly for husbands and wives, common law couples and live-in partners.”
However, Motorcycle Philippines Federation deems the barrier unnecessary for couples or live-in partners who ride the same motorcycle and live in the same house.
“Full face helmet, mayroon naman ‘yang eye shield na. Covered ka na niyan eh. Kasi ang purpose lang niyan, kung kukuha ka ng iba’t-ibang pasahero. Pero kung ang pasahero mo, misis mo lang, siguro hindi na kailangan ng barrier (Full face helmets have an eye shield. That’s enough cover. The purpose [of the barrier] is for those who get different passengers. But if the passenger is your wife, it may no longer be necessary),” Director for Administration Atoy Sta. Cruz pointed out.
The group also appealed for consideration for the safety of motorcycle riders, especially if the use of the barrier design of Governor Arthur Yap will be required.
“Isa pang kinakatakot namin diyan, ‘yung wind dragging. Baka mamaya biglang pumasok ‘yan sa highway, mabilis ‘yung bus, higupin ‘yan, madisgrasya pa. (Another thing we fear is wind dragging. The rider takes the highway, then comes a bus in full speed and might suck it (the barrier) in and cause an accident),” Sta. Cruz explained.
Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the “second approved design is somehow simpler as it will only be strapped to the motorcycle driver and not mounted directly on the motorcycle itself, unlike the first design.”
Sec. Año assured the NTF carefully reviewed both designs before they were approved. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
