Solon proposes allowing motorcycle riders to have back riders in GCQ areas

Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. is proposing that the government allow motorcycle riders to have one back-riding passenger in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

In a letter addressed to members of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Garbin explained how the motorcycle is possibly the only mode of transportation that poor, low-income, and lower middle income segments of the population could afford right now.

The national government has banned back-riding on motorcycles to ensure that social distancing is being observed in this time of health crisis. 

But Garbin pointed out that many factory workers, office staff, and rank and file personnel, as well as teachers and students who will go to school once classes reopen, use motorcycles to travel to their destinations and back to their homes.

"Allowing others to return to work and travel to and from school while they, the poor and disadvantaged remain banned from using their own means of transportation is clear discrimination of the poor and disadvantaged," Garbin said.

"By banning them from the roads, we are telling them that because they do not own cars and sports utility vehicles, they cannot go to work or go to school. That is patently unjust and goes against principles of equity and constitutional requirement of equal protection of law," he added.

Garbin said that it falls upon the government to look for equitable and safe ways for these people to travel.

"Even if we eventually allow PUJs (public utility jeepneys) and PUBs (public utility buses) to return to their franchise routes, there would still be millions who need to travel on their own motorcycles," he added.

In allowing back-riding in motorcycles during GCQ, Garbin suggested that the motorcycle driver and passengers be strictly required to wear helmets and face shields as well as face masks.

Riders and passengers with no proper helmets and proper face masks will not be allowed to pass through checkpoints and take the roads, he said.

At the same time, passengers should be required to wear jackets and pants as minimum protective clothing, Garbin added. Protective pads for the arms and legs are also advisable, but not mandatory.

Moreover, motorcycle riders and passengers should also always bring rubbing alcohol, a bar of soap for handwashing, ample supply of drinking water for personal hydration, and a spray bottle containing the proper mix of bleach and water, Garbin said.

Motorcycle riders and passengers who are in the same household must also present to law enforcers proof that they are living under the same roof, such as driver's license of the driver, work or student ID of the passenger, or any other valid ID indicating their residence.

Another proof of identification is the household's Social Amelioration Program form, if they are beneficiaries, as this indicates the name of the head of the household as well as the members.

"The aforementioned measures and identification documents are sufficient to address the safety and hygiene concerns of the IATF. The measures simply must be implemented strictly," Garbin said.

"I will [also] ask the motorcycle riding sector to demonstrate how the measures I have suggested and the additional measures they have in mind will allay the fears of COVID-19 spread because of motorcycle riders and passengers," he added.

Garbin said he will send his letter to IATF within the day.

Most areas of the country are under GCQ. Metro Manila and high-risk areas are under modified enhanced community quarantine until May 31. Mandaue City, Cebu City and 10 barangays in Navotas City, meanwhile, are under enhanced community quarantine until May 31. —KG, GMA News