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Government-approved motorcycle barriers safe - Eleazar

Philippines | National

Government-approved motorcycle barriers safe - Eleazar

By Aaron Recuenco

The two barrier designs approved by the government for pillion riding have been studied and tested for safety, the Joint Task Force COVID Shield insisted despite reports of motorcycle accidents occuring due to the same.

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar
(PNP / MANILA BULLETIN / FILE PHOTO)

Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, JTF COVID Shield commander, on Tuesday maintained social media posts about the barriers causing accidents are mainly due to sloppy installation or use of substandard materials.

“These two approved designs, the Bohol prototype and the Angkas design, underwent a thorough study which includes the concept of aerodynamics and were also tested for quality safety standards. Before approving them, our NTF Against COVID-19 made sure that the barriers are not only effective to shield both the riders from coronavirus infection but also safe from road accidents,” Eleazar explained, urging motorcycle riders to strictly follow specifications given to both designs.

"Let us do away with 'puwede na yan' (that would do) mentality because what is at stake here is your safety," he said.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 allowed pillion riding due to public clamor but with limitations, July 10.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, vice chairman of the NTF Against COVID-19, explained pillion riding must be limited only to couples residing in the same abode, in anticipation of some obstinate motorcycle riders using the means to transport relatives, friends and neighbors or for picking up passengers for a fee.

Año's prediction proved accurate with a total of 10,932 motorcycle riders across the country having been caught violating measures set by the government.

Of the figure, 9,649 were accosted for accommodating passengers sans the required barrier, while 1,283 were caught allowing passengers beside their wife or partner.

Eleazar said violators were simply warned but they were eventually advised to comply with the requirements on or before the July 26 deadline.

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