Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. said Wednesday should now buy the motorcycle barriers from riders who no longer need them. The said measure would help the riders recover from the expenses of purchasing and installing the protective equipment.
Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said Tuesday riders living in the same house no longer need to use motorcycle barriers in areas under GCQ starting Wednesday.
Back-riding on motorcycles will be allowed as long as the passenger is an authorized person outside of residence (APOR).
However, those who are not living together must still use motorcycle barriers. Also, both riders should wear full-face helmets and face masks.
“Kailangang mabawi ng motorcycle riders ang kanilang ginastos para makabili at magpa-install ng motorcycle barriers. Gumastos sila ng perang pambili sana ng pagkain at gamot. Hustisya,” Garbin said in a statement.
“I hope the national government can acquire all of those contraptions, and in exchange, they can give the motorcycle riders any of these options depending on what the government can afford,” he added.
Also read: Unified curfew implemented in Metro Manila
Solon wants gov’t to buy motorcycle barriers no longer needed by riders
Garbin said one option is a payment in kind for fees and fines for violations of rules and regulations of land transportation authorities like vehicle registration, driver’s license, and traffic violation fines.
The solon said the government could also give groceries equivalent to the cost of each motorcycle barrier when exchanged with the Diskwento Caravan of the Department of Trade and Industry.
“The acquired barriers can be converted into personal defense shields of barangay tanods and police officers. They could also be used to form stretchers for medical emergencies,” he added.
The lawmaker thanked the IATF, and the joint task force for lifting the motorcycle barriers use requirement.
“I ask the IATF to immediately and formally abolish or cancel all directives they issued about the motorcycle barriers to make sure its reimposition will not happen ever again. Full-face helmets plus face masks should be enough to protect motorcycle drivers and passengers from COVID-19,” he said.
“IATF should no longer require motorcycle TNCs and TNVS drivers to use the barriers because they also deserve equal protection and enforcement of our country’s laws and regulations,” he added.