Motorcycle backriding or pillion riding will already be allowed for couples who live in the same address—married or not—starting Friday, July 10 as long as precautionary measures are observed and  IATF guidelines are followed, said Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Eduardo Año.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said law enforcers should only check the couple’s identification cards (IDs) to confirm the relationship. 

But contrary to this announcement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing that only married couples are allowed to backride and should present photocopies of their marriage contract.

Meanwhile, Año also confirmed in an interview that the prototype model submitted by Bohol governor Arthur Yap has already been approved by the National Task Force (NTF). 

https://twitter.com/CMarquezINQ/status/1281078666294951936?s=20

This will be the official prototype to be used by motorcycle riders. Following Yap’s design, there should be a protective shield separating the driver from the passenger.  It should go beyond both their heads and have handles attached to both sides.

Año emphasized though, the task force is still open to accept other proposals and design submissions even after Yap’s prototype approval.

Header photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta for inquirer.net

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