Back-riding on motorcycles still not allowed, Eleazar says

Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, commander of Joint Task Force COVID Shield, on Friday said back-riding on motorcycles, even for couples, is not yet allowed despite the easing of quarantine protocols in Metro Manila.

"According po doon sa guidelines na ibinigay sa atin, ang Joint Task Force naman po ay nag-i-implement, sa ngayon po ay hindi pa..." Eleazar said during the Laging Handa press briefing.

"Una, violation talaga sa physical distancing at siguro po wine-weigh nila ang pros and cons at sa ngayon, hindi pa po puwede. Kahit pulis hindi po puwede ang angkasan..." Eleazar added.

The national government has banned back-riding on motorcycles to ensure that social distancing is being observed in this time in which coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is threatening the lives of the public.

Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. has suggested that the government allow motorcycle riders to have one back-riding passenger in GCQ areas, noting that the "motorcycle is possibly the only mode of transportation for poor, low-income, and lower middle income segments of the population."

Once allowed, Garbin said the motorcycle driver and passengers must be 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, the lawmaker recommended. — RSJ, GMA News