Back-riding in motorcycles ‘approved in principle’ but wait for guidelines —Palace

The government may soon allow back-riding in motorcycles as concerned agencies are working on safety protocols to lessen the possibility of transmitting COVID-19 in this mode of transportation.

“Ang DOTr (Department of Transportation), kasama ang DOST (Department of Science and Technolgy), DOH (Department of Health), MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), at DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) ay inatasan na magpulong at alamin ang pinakaligtas at epektibong paraan para mabawasan ang transmission sa back-riding sa mga motorsiklo,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Saturday.

“So malapit na po ang backriding pero kinakailangan na ang NTF (National Task Force) ang mag-issue ng mga guidelines,” Roque said.

The Palace official said the practice is already “allowed in principle” upon the approval of the requirements by the Technical Working Group.

“Antay-antay na lang po muna at baka puwede na mapayagan ang back-riding,” Roque said.

The government has earlier stood firm on prohibiting back-riding on motorcycles amid quarantine measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Similarly, Roque announced that the DOH is studying the proposal by ride-hailing firm Angkas on putting a “special suit” or a divider between the rider and passenger to ensure physical distancing in motorcycle taxis. —KG, GMA News