Deadline for installing motorcycle back-riding barrier extended to July 26

The deadline for installing a barrier on motorcycles for back-riding has been extended to July 26, the Joint Task Force COVID Shield said on Saturday.

According to the JTF COVID Shield, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 has approved its recommendation to extend the July 19 deadline to allow motorists to have more time to install the barrier.

Two barriers were approved for use as these have passed safety standards: the Bohol prototype and the Angkas design, it added.

“As per our Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo Año, from the original July 19, the deadline for motorcycle riders to comply with the required barrier for pillion riding is now moved to July 26,” JTF CV Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said.

The task force recommended the deadline extension after motorists asked for it, and also after consulting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police, and George Royeca who designed the Angkas -made barrier.

Senator Bong Go also asked the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Disease and the NTF Against COVID-19 to allow for more time for motorists to comply.

“We hope that the two-week grace period are more than enough for motorists to conform to the safety standards of the two approved designs to ensure the safety of both the driver and the riders,” Eleazar said.

The JTF Shield commander appealed for understanding and patience, as back-riding on motorcycles will eventually be allowed after the barriers have been installed.

“Like wearing of face masks, these motorcycle barriers will be part of the minimum health safety protocols that will be strictly implemented, unless the vaccine for COVID-19 is discovered and is made available to the public,” Eleazar said.

Back-riding has been disallowed by the government when quarantine measures were implemented in March.

However, this month, back-riding has been permitted by authorities as long as those on the motorcycle are married and can present a marriage certificate.

LGBTQ couples are also allowed for motorcycle back-riding in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas, as long as they can provide proof that they are couples or live-in partners, Eleazar said. —KG, GMA News