Palace: Duterte may call Congress to ‘immediately’ amend double plates law if…

MANILA, Philippines — The concerns of motorcycle riders regarding bigger and color-coded license plates on motorcycles may be addressed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, Malacañang said Monday.

But if this is not possible, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte may call on Congress to “immediately” amend the new law.

Panelo issued the statement days after Duterte said he would suspend the implementation of the new law, which he signed on March 8.

READ: Duterte to suspend double plates law for motorbikes

The new law requires bigger license plates to be placed in front and at the back of motorcycles.

Duterte said it would be “dangerous to place another gadget” in front of a motorcycle as this could pierce through a rider’s helmet.

Motorcycle riders had earlier slammed the new ruling as discriminatory and dangerous.

“You cannot implement that without the implementing rules and regulations. So kaya siguro iyon ang ibig sabihin ng Presidente, ‘Tingnan ninyo muna nang mabuti (Maybe that’s what the President wants to say. Take a look more closely),’” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

However, he assured motorcycle riders that Duterte may ask Congress to amend the new law if the IRR isn’t able to address their concerns.

“If it is dangerous, then he will ask Congress to amend it,” he said.

“Because why should you be pursuing a law which you feel to be something dangerous when it is implemented? You will ask Congress to amend it immediately,” he added.

Duterte also said that the P50,000 fine for violators was “too high.” He proposed the fine to be just P10,000 to P15,000.

“The Congress can always amend, reduce the penalty,” Panelo said, adding that the possible amendments would be “with respect to provisions being reacted against.”

Panelo said Duterte would wait for the recommendation of the Land Transportation Office regarding concerns on the new law.

Sen. Richard Gordon, the proponent of the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, on Monday said the new law could be amended but not suspended. /ee

READ: Gordon: Double plates law can’t be suspended