Recto questions use of motorcycle barrier for couples who ride pillion

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto questioned on Saturday the need for a barrier between married couples when they ride pillion on a motorcycle.

In a statement, Recto wondered what was the use of a barrier “when couples hold hands in going to the motorcycle and kiss each other goodbye after the ride?”

“As a virus shield, it is as effective as installing a concrete road divider on the matrimonial bed,” he added. “Isn’t the protection offered them by the motorcycle barrier during the day canceled by their intimacy at night?”

Recto also raised if the modification on motorcycles, which he said was “untested,” will compromise the roadworthiness of the vehicle, as well as the safety of the driver and passenger.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) earlier allowed pillion riding on motorcycles for married couples, as long as a divider is installed between the driver and passenger.

Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya allayed fears that the barrier would pose safety concerns, saying that it was approved by experts and even the Land Transportation Office.

The Senate leader said that while he does commend “well-meaning initiatives” to get people who ride pillion on motorcycles, he said that it was best that such initiatives “should get the green light from science.”

“Before we flag this off, can we please subject it to test runs and workshop review by experts?” he added.

“Or can we just ask health experts if a couple who sleep together at night without masks can safely ride a motorcycle together with masks and helmets on?” he further questioned.

/MUF