CEBU City Mayor Edgardo Labella has asked Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade to reconsider the agency's ruling over the “no backrider" policy for motorcycles.
In a letter addressed to Tugade, Labella asked for the exemption of immediate family members, allowing them to backride on motorcycles.
“It would be more convenient for families to backride on their family member’s motorcycles,” Labella said.
He said if his letter would have a positive feedback, enforcers can simply check the identification card of the passenger and owner of the motorcycle.
“Knowing these couples share the same home, the same room, ingnon ta lang the same bed, with all due respect, I am appealing to Secretary (Arthur) Tugade to reconsider ang no backrider policy except those who are able to present identification cards that they really are family members,” Labella said.
Earlier, authorities in Central Visayas decided not to allow backriders, adhering to the guidelines set by the DOTr on social distancing to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Motorcycle drivers with backriders, relatives or not, will be issued a temporary operator’s permit and fined P5,000. Their licenses will also be confiscated.
READ: LTO-Central Visayas: No more motorcycle backriders
Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Central Visayas Director Victor Caindec told Superbalita Cebu that the violators would have a hard time getting back their licenses as most of the LTO-Central Visayas offices are closed.
He assured though that the motorcycles will not be brought to the impounding area. (JJL with a report from HBL)