Vice President Leni Robredo found the new policy against the public display of affection (PDA) among couples funny, saying this may just end up like the short-lived motorcycle barriers.
Robredo made the statement after the Philippine National Police (PNP) said police officers will now call out people practicing PDA to help curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In her radio program on Sunday, the Vice President said she found it difficult to understand the logic behind discouraging couples from holding hands in public since they will be sleeping in the same bed anyway.
She, however, said she was willing to give the PNP's new directive a chance.
"Medyo nakakatawa lang pero tignan natin (This is laughable but let's see)," she said.
Robredo however, worried that this new order may be a reenactment of the motorcycle barriers that were once required so couples and people living in the same household can ride the said vehicle together.
"Ang worry ko baka pareho ito noong harang sa motorsiklo pero inalis din (I'm worried that this may be the same as the motorcycle barriers which were lifter eventually)," Robredo said.
The barriers became obsolete after the policy was lifted only a month after it was implemented--when most riders already spent money to buy barriers since those who did not have one were cited for violations.
Based on data from Joint Task Force COVID Shield, a total of 57,973 motorcycle riders were warned and cited for violation of the rules on pillion riding from July 10 to August 18.
In her radio program, Vice President Robredo said the PNP should first conduct a study before coming out with new policies.
"Nakabase sa datos, nakabase sa siyensiya, yung lahat ng mga mahahalagang stakeholders nakonsulta (Their policies should be based on data and on science, and the most important stakeholders should be consulted)," she said.
"Kasi kung basta-basta lang kung minsan alanganin, eh (Because if it is abrupt, it may not be effective)," she added.