The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday announced that motorcycle barriers will no longer be needed for authorized persons outside residence (APOR) living in the same household in areas under the general community quarantine.
“The National Task Force COVID-19 has adopted a policy effective today to allow riders living in the same house not to use a motorcycle barrier anymore so long as the back rider is an APOR,’’ the DILG statement noted.
Despite loosening its restrictions, a number of motorcycle riders lashed out at the government for ‘flip-flopping’’ with regards to the required barriers for riders.
Truck helper Samuel Sanchez stressed that the decision to ease the rule on motorcycle shields should have been made long ago “para hindi na kami nagkagastos’’ (to prevent us from spending).
“Nakakarimarim. Hirap kami dahil wala na kaming pera. Bumili kami ng barrier tapos di na pala kailangan. Dapat sa simula pa lang pinayagan na ang mag-asawa na APOR magmotor na walang barrier (It is very frustrating. We are hard up since we are running out of cash. We bought
the barrier and now it is useless. From the start APOR should be allowed to back ride without the barrier.),’’ Sanchez said.
DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya explained that those living in the same household should show IDs with the same address as proof to Quarantine Control Points or to police officers conducting random checks on motorists.
“Valid ID showing that both riders live in the same residence will be accepted by the Philippine National Police and traffic enforcers. The back rider must be an APOR while the driver may or may not be an APOR,” Malaya said.
Malaya stressed that police officers will also require proof that the back-rider is an APOR like a valid ID or certificate of employment or other similar document.
For riders not living in the same house, Malaya said they must use the Angkas designed barriers or the other approved barriers of the National Task Force COVID-19.
He added that the motorcycle must be “privately owned and not for hire.’’
The DILG official noted that “both riders (driver and back rider) must wear face masks and full-face helmets at all times while back-riding to ensure compliance with minimum health standards.’’
“Approved Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) are individuals who are in government or those allowed to work in industries permitted to operate under the guidelines of the IATF. A full list of these industries has been released by the Department of Trade and Industry,’’ he added.
Malaya emphasized the city or municipal mayor in areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) have the discretion to adopt or implement these guidelines depending on the situation in their localities.