By Genalyn Kabiling Back riding on motorcycles, even for family members, is still not allowed in areas under community quarantine. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/MANILA BULLETIN) President Duterte has refused to give an exemption to the province of Cebu to allow riding a motorcycle with a passenger amid the lingering coronavirus threat. In his latest public address Friday, the President said he might face graft charges and end up in prison if he will give “undue advantage” to a local government unit to the “prejudice” of another party on such mode of transportation. “You know, as much as I would like to accommodate (Cebu) Governor (Gwen) Garcia and the board members, here’s what I can say: If I begin to give an exemption to one, I will open myself to charges of anti-graft law, giving another an undue advantage,” Duterte said, after reading a letter from Cebu’s local leaders about the planned back riding policy. Garcia had earlier issued an order allowing the back riding on motorcycles with certain health conditions. The provincial board was reportedly expected to pass an ordinance allowing the use of motorcycles with passengers given the limited public transportation. The President said he understands the transportation difficulty, especially for married couples, given the government's decision to restrict back riding on motorcycles. Duterte said he would likely "go to prison" if he violates the provision of the country's anti-graft law against giving undue advantage in favor of or discriminating against other interested party. He said charges may be slapped against him after the end of his term. "(It is) discriminatory if at all because ang discretion is used to excuse one from the burden of the law that is placed on others," he said. "The law is hard but it is the law. Wala talaga akong magawa (I can't do anything about it). Just because I am president, it does not mean I ignore the laws of the land," he added. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año affirmed the government's no back riding policy on motorcycles even for couples as a precaution against the coronavirus. Año, in the meeting with the President, admitted that it is difficult to impose physical distancing when a motorcycle rider brings along a passenger. “It’s difficult to gamble that just because they are married they can stay close in public. Actually, we can’t do anything if they violate physical distancing at home. But in public, it will be hard if others will see that we allow them to be close while we enforce physical distancing and mask-wearing for others,” he said. He explained that the government has taken into consideration public health with the latest restriction on motorcycle use. He said while motorbike rides may lead to savings, it will be costlier if the couple dies of coronavirus infection. “We are talking about the health risks, not convenience, or it will lead to savings. This is about lives. If one gets infected, the other will get it, too. It is costlier if they die,” he said. Meanwhile, sidecars remain prohibited in national roads and highways. After announcing that sidecars will be allowed these roads, Malacañang made a clarification, citing Año. “Although apprehension from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is temporarily suspended, such (tricycles) are still prohibited from traversing the national highways," Presidential spokesman said Thursday evening, June 4. (With a report from Argyll Cyrus Geducos)