The government has given the green light to back-riding in private motorcycles, not motorcycle taxis, for authorized persons outside residence (APOR) when traveling for work in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said easing the restriction on motorcycle pillion riding was approved during a meeting of the National Task Force on COVID-19 and mayors of Metro Manila on Monday.
"Back-riding is allowed under the following conditions: Backride/passenger is an APOR, travel is work related, even if he/she is not related to the driver," Roque said during a televised press briefing Tuesday.
He said the motorcycle must still be equipped with the prescribed barrier between the driver and the passenger.
He added that back riders are allowed only for motorcycles that are privately owned during the work travel. “Motorcycles must be privately owned, not motorcycle taxis, not for hire during the trip,” he said.
President Duterte has placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna under MECQ until August 18 following an appeal made by the health frontliners for a time out amid the surge in coronavirus infections.
Public transportation has been suspended anew during the MECQ period. Shuttle service and the use of bicycles and motorcycles are encouraged to get to work or do essential errands.
In last Monday's press briefing, Roque initially claimed that pillion riding in motorcycles is prohibited during the MECQ.
"Bawal pong muli ang back-riding. Isang tao lang po ang pupwedeng sumakay sa motorsiklo. Huwag na po ninyong gamitin ang inyong shields dahil pang isang tao lang iyan (Back riding is not allowed again. Only one person may ride the motorcycle. Don't use the shields because only one person may use the motorcycle)," he said.
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