Pillion rides allowed for same-sex couples living together, says Eleazar

MANILA, Philippines — Pillion rides on motorcycles are also allowed for same-sex couples who are living together, as long as they present documents that they have the same address, according to Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of Joint Task Force COVID Shield.

“Pwede rin po ‘yun. Basta couple o partners, ibig sabihin mayroon silang relationship na sila ay magkasama sa tinitirhan. Kailangan maestablish doon na sila ay nakatira sa isang lugar. Kaya nga ang hinahanap natin dun ay dokumento. Initially, e yung pong ID nila na nagpapatunay na magkasama sila doon,” the police official told Teleradyo.”

(That [same-sex couples] is also  allowed, as long as they are couples or partners. They just need to establish that they are living together. This is why we are looking for documents, initially, their IDs proving that they are living at the same place.)

The government has allowed riding in tandem on motorcycles beginning Friday, but only for couples. Aside from this requirement, the National Task Force against COIVD-19 also approved Gov. Arthur Yap’s proposal that the motorcycle must have protective shields between riders and passengers.

Couples should still wear face masks and helmets while on board their motorcycles to ensure safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Eleazar also reminded.

EDV