House panel urges gov’t to allow motorcycle taxis, pillion rides on trikes

MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on transportation is calling on the government to allow motorcycle taxis and back-riding on tricycles amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a hearing on Thursday, Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito urged the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against Infectious Diseases and the National Task Force against COVID-19 to reconsider and allow the operation of motorcycle taxis in the country provided that they follow certain conditions.

She proposed that motorcycle riders must have their own helmets, wear face masks, and put up barriers from the passengers.

“These are extraordinary times so kailangan din natin ng extraordinary measure, I hope they do understand,” she said.

She also pointed out that tricycle passengers have complained of paying higher fares as only one passenger is allowed inside the carriage.

“Medyo nahihirapan sila (commuters), medyo mataas ang singil ng pamasahe per passenger so marami sa ating kababayan na hindi na lang nagta-tricycle,” the lawmaker said.

(The commuters are having difficulties because the fares are a bit high so many of them opt out of riding tricycles.)

Hipolito’s motion was adopted by the committee after being seconded by Manila City Rep. Cristal Bagatsing.

“Napakaimportante na magkaroon tayo ng karagdagang sasakyan sapagkat nahihirapan ang ating mga commuter,” she said.

(It is important that we find more modes of transport because our commuters are being burdened.)

“It is not only for the livelihood of drivers but as well as commuters and frontliners,” she added.

The government earlier allowed motorcycle owners until July 31  to install protective dividers for their pillion riders.

This is so they could be allowed to back-ride their spouses or live-in partners.

However, operations of motorcycle taxis are still not allowed.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1311410/police-extend-deadline-for-motorcycle-barriers-until-july-31