By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
It appears that there really is no stopping President Duterte from taking rides on his motorcycle in Metro Manila despite figuring in a spate of minor accidents recently.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go take time to appreciate one of the motorcycles on display during 24th Annual Convention of the National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines (NFMCP) at the Peñaranda Park in Legazpi City, Albay on April 21, 2018. Also in the photo is Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito. (RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
This, after Duterte was said to have informed the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of his desire to ride his motorcycle anew, no longer just within the confines of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Manila, but on the busy streets of Metro Manila.
According to PSG Commander Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, Duterte was planning on riding his motorcycle around Metro Manila, and that he was opposed to this.
"He has plan to go around Metro Manila on a motorcycle... I don't agree actually," he said.
"Kung sa loob lang po ng PSG, pwede (If he's just inside the PSG compound then we will allow him). But if he goes out, I think we should advise him na pwede naman (that can ride his motorcycle) but in a secure, controlled area," he added.
Niembra said there appeared to be no stopping the President from riding a motorcycle despite threats to his life.
"Ang sabi nga niya (He said), he will live and die with a motorcycle kasi sabi niya mas mabuti pang nakamatay siyang naka-motor kaysa mamatay siyang nakahiga. Ganoon ka-pursigido po ang ating Presidente (because for him, it's better to die on a motorcycle that die while laying down. That's how determined he is)," he said.
"In fact, meron na naman siyang planong mag-motor. But maybe not now. Ito ang passion niya kasi. Ito ang hilig niya (He has a plan to ride his motorcycle. Maybe not now. But this is his passion, this is his hobby)," he added.
President Duterte repeatedly said that he will never stop riding a motorcycle despite him figuring in accidents while riding them. He said he was in an accident when he was 69 years old.
Read more: Duterte figures in minor motorcycle accident
In October this year, the President figured in another accident, causing him muscle spasms which prompted him to cut short his trip to Japan for the enthronement ceremony of new Emperor Akihito.
Read more: Duterte cuts short Japan trip due to unbearable spine pain