By J. Jala | 09:46 PM July 14, 2020
Ang Probinsyano Representative Ronnie Ong has urged the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to scrap the mandated plastic divider between motorcycle-riding couples.
The lawmaker said the divider is not only useless and impractical but it also poses a danger not just to motorcycle riders but also other motorists and pedestrians.
“I don’t see any reason why a divider or a shield is required for couples who eat, sleep and even take a bath together,” said Ong.
The solon added that the required divider is now the subject of complaints among riders as it has become a convenient tool for extortion by corrupt traffic enforcers.
Instead of a physical divider, Ong said riders should just be required to wear full-face helmets, face masks, long sleeves shirts or jackets, long pants, gloves and closed shoes.
The solon also urged the IATF to extend the policy to other family members and not just to married couples or couples in a relationship, as long as they have proof that they live together and comply with other health protocols.
The prototype design of Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap to allow backriding was adopted by National Task Force against COVID-19 for motorcycle backride.
Yap designed a motorcycle that removes physical contact between the driver and passenger after the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) banned backriding on motorcycles during the coronavirus pandemic.
In mid-June, he submitted submitted his proposal to the IATF for approval.
The IATF had banned backriders on motorcycles upon the recommendation of the LTO.
The prototype design has a divider made of transparent material between the driver and the backrider.
A handle bar is installed on the divider’s frame for the backrider to hold on to during the ride.
There is a public clamor not only from residents and mayors to allow backriding on motorcycles, especially as these are the primary mode of transportation in the towns.
