Iloilo governor proposes design that would allow motorcycle back-riding
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY — Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo province has a proposal that might help lift the ban on “angkas” (motorcycle back-rider) that has been implemented due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. (left) shows the fabricated divider he personally designed for a motorcycle. The design might be a solution to the “angkas” ban by allowing a back-rider while following physical distancing protocol. (Vincent Gefes/PICAO)
Defensor submitted the design to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that would allow a motorcycle to have back-rider while following physical distancing protocol.
Defensor is one of the local government officials across the country who appealed the “angkas” ban as commuters are having problems availing of public transportation due to limitation of passengers per vehicle.
The governor presented the fabricated divider Friday, June 5, when he submitted a letter addressed to LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante through LTO Western Visayas Regional Director Eric Tabaldo.
The fabricated divider is made of non-porous and transparent material that looks like a windshield. It is installed between the driver and the back-rider.
According to Defensor, the design ensures that there will be no physical contact as there is a handle bar for the back-rider to hold on to.
The mayors’ league in Iloilo province, which is composed of 42 towns and the component city of Passi, passed a resolution urging national government officials to allow motorcycle back-riders.
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City is also urging the national task force on COVID-19 to reconsider and lift the ban.
Earlier in the week, COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez refused to comment on the appeal made by Defensor, Treñas and the mayors when he had a consultative meeting in Iloilo City.
Aside from allowing motorcycle back-riders, Defensor is also appealing to the national government to allow three passengers for tricycles provided a non-porous and transparent material is also installed. Currently, the national government is only allowing one passenger per tricycle.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. (left) shows the fabricated divider he personally designed for a motorcycle. The design might be a solution to the “angkas” ban by allowing a back-rider while following physical distancing protocol. (Vincent Gefes/PICAO)
Defensor submitted the design to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that would allow a motorcycle to have back-rider while following physical distancing protocol.
Defensor is one of the local government officials across the country who appealed the “angkas” ban as commuters are having problems availing of public transportation due to limitation of passengers per vehicle.
The governor presented the fabricated divider Friday, June 5, when he submitted a letter addressed to LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante through LTO Western Visayas Regional Director Eric Tabaldo.
The fabricated divider is made of non-porous and transparent material that looks like a windshield. It is installed between the driver and the back-rider.
According to Defensor, the design ensures that there will be no physical contact as there is a handle bar for the back-rider to hold on to.
The mayors’ league in Iloilo province, which is composed of 42 towns and the component city of Passi, passed a resolution urging national government officials to allow motorcycle back-riders.
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City is also urging the national task force on COVID-19 to reconsider and lift the ban.
Earlier in the week, COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez refused to comment on the appeal made by Defensor, Treñas and the mayors when he had a consultative meeting in Iloilo City.
Aside from allowing motorcycle back-riders, Defensor is also appealing to the national government to allow three passengers for tricycles provided a non-porous and transparent material is also installed. Currently, the national government is only allowing one passenger per tricycle.