Gov. Remulla says motorcycle shield 'dangerous, inconvenient, does not make sense'

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Monday criticized the prototype design approved by the national government which allowed back-riding on motorcycles among couples and partners living in one residence.

In a Facebook post which was specifically addressed to the Inter-Agency Task Force, Remulla deemed the design, which was created by the Bohol provincial government, as dangerous and inconvenient.

"Thank you for the new backride policy for couples. Unfortunately, kung sino man ang gumawa ng backshield design instruction ay kailanman hindi sumakay ng motor," Remulla said.

"It is dangerous, inconvenient and most importantly, it does not make sense!" he added.

According to Remulla, wearing face masks, jackets and helmets as well as using couple passes could already suffice in ensuring the protection of safety of riders and passengers.

"Wasn’t it based on the point that couples who live in one house makes transmission less possible? Sana sapat na ang naka-jacket, face mask, helmet, at couples pass mula sa barangay," Remulla said.

Back-riding on motorcycles among couples and partners has been allowed beginning July 10, provided that they put a barrier between the rider and the passenger which serves as an additional "safety net" to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

There had been criticisms on the design as some are saying that it is not safe for the rider and the passenger. Motoring expert Aris Ilagan noted that the shield could affect the aerodynamics of the motorcycle and poses safety risks, especially if there are strong winds.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had defended the government’s prototype shield, noting that the safety really depends on the driver of the motorcycle. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News