Department of the Interior and Local  Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday said back-riding on motorcycles will be allowed  beginning Friday, July 10, but only among couples.

“Yes, simula bukas ay papayagan na natin ‘yung back-riding para sa mga couples at ‘yung prototype model na [ibinigay] ni Governor Arthur Yap ay approved na ‘yan… ito ‘yung pinaka-prototype na gagamitin natin,” Año said during  a radio interview.

“Para sa couple lang muna kasi tumataas ‘yung numero… pag couple iisang bahay lang ‘yan…” Año added.

Año said this measure would be implemented in all general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas.

“Yes, nationwide ‘yan… both GCQ and MGQC…” Año said when asked about the coverage of the measure.

Año classified couples as those living in one household.

“Whether they are married or common-law husband and wife… boyfriend or girlfriend but they are living in the same household,” he said.

Año said that the approved design from Yap shows that there is a barrier between the rider and passenger. Wearing of face mask is also a must, Año added.

“Mayroon siyang barrier in between the rider and passenger pagkatapos mayroon din siyang handle at lalagpas hanggang ulo niya ‘yung barrier para siguradong walang laway na tatalsik,” Año said.

Año urged those who have proposed designs on back-riding barriers on motorcycles to submit to concerned agencies.

“Pero ‘yung may mga designs at proposal, patuloy pa rin silang magsubmit sapagkat meron naman tayong TWG [technical working group] na sumusuri diyan…” he said.

Año said back-riding on electronic bikes is not yet allowed by the national government.

Año also reminded the public to always bring their IDs in case they will be apprehended by law enforcers.

Motorcycles have been seen as another mode of transportation for commuters amid the limited number of public transport vehicles.

Earlier, the national government stood firm on prohibiting back-riding on motorcycles amid quarantine measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19./Stacy Ang