Marino Party-list Representative and House Committee on Transportation Vice-Chairperson Sandro Gonzalez on Saturday, June 20, welcomed the idea of the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) of allowing back-riding in motorcycles, provided that clear guidelines are set.

In its 47th resolution released today, the IATF-EID included the recommendation to give a green light for back-riding in motorcycles as a result of the clamor from a number of Local Government Units (LGUs) as well as some private individuals.

According to Gonzalez, many Filipinos rely on motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation to go to work, not to mention that others earn a living through motorcycle-taxi riding.

“As Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Transportation, this is a welcome development since this will open opportunities for low-income wage earners to earn a living once again. This will also address the transportation woes of employees who commute to work,” Gonzalez explained.

“But I agree with the IATF-EID that clear protocols and guidelines should be in place before we approve this recommendation. I am sure that concerned agencies would be able to come up with rules that will be beneficial to combat the possible spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) when motorcycle back-riding gets approved,” Gonzalez added.

The IATF-EID compelled the Department of Transportation, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Department of Trade and Industry to craft the said guidelines.

The solon, meanwhile, lauded pro-active measures that many ride-hailing companies like Angkas are taking ahead of the IATF-EID recommendation. Angkas recently introduced the use of plastic shields between their riders and passengers so that physical distancing could still be observed during rides.

“This proposal from Angkas is impressive, and the same could be a precedent for the government to emulate in line with the suggestion to allow back-riding in motorcycles,” Gonzalez said.