Bigger plates for motorcycles not ‘discriminatory’ — Albayalde

MANILA, Philippines — Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017 that mandates the use of bigger, readable, and color-coded license plates is not discriminatory for motorcycle riders, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday.

According to Albayalde, the new law is only part of security measures being implemented by the government.

READ: Duterte signs law requiring bigger, color-coded license plates for motorcycles

“I don’t think that is discrimination. This is part of security. [Para sa] security ito ng buong Pilipinas, not only to anybody (This is for the security of the nation, not only to anybody),” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Albayalde likewise said the new law, which also requires the use of license plates on both the rear and front part of the motorcycles, will help prevent crimes perpetrated using motorcycles.

“Nakita ng gobyerno na pwede nating maiwasan lalo na ‘yung mga incidents na riding-in-tandem. Remember ‘yung riding-in-tandem are perpetrated by suspects riding motorcycles, at ‘yung mga motorcycles na ito napakahirap makita ‘yung plate number dahil napakaliit,” the PNP chief said.

(The government saw that we can prevent especially those incidents involving riding-in-tandem. Remember, those riding-in-tandem are perpetrated by suspects riding motorcycles and the plates of those motorcycles are too difficult to see because it is too small.)

“This is not discriminatory. This is all part of improvement in the peace and security of the whole nation,” Albayalde further said, adding that even license plates of larger vehicles are being improved by the government.

On Sunday, March 24, thousands of riders joined the Unity Ride to protest the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017.

READ: LOOK: Thousands ride against bigger motorcycle plates

Motorcycle riders said they denounce the new law because it is discriminatory. /kga