Senate OKs bill amending ‘doble plaka’ law

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito —Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate approved on third and final reading a measure that seeks to amend the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 11235), otherwise known as the “Doble Plaka Law.”

Senate Bill No. 2555 which contains amendments to the RA 11235 was approved with 22 affirmative, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions during the chamber’s plenary session on Monday.

In his short manifestation after the measure was approved, principal author of the measure, Sen. JV Ejercito said the approval of the bill is another leap forward toward ending the discrimination against the motorcycle-riding community.

READ: Tolentino sponsors Senate bill to amend ‘Doble Plaka’ Law

“We have sent a clear message to our people that we hear and take note of their sentiments. Our goal has always been, is to craft laws that will truly represent their interests,” said Ejercito.

“It cannot be denied that there are evil-minded people who abuse the use of motorcycles. But they are few compared to more people who use and ride motorcycles as an alternative and fast form of transportation. There is nothing wrong with punishing the guilty but it is not fair if it is imposed on the entire sector of society who are also considered heroes in recent years,” he emphasized.

Earlier, Sen. Francis Tolentino likewise stood before the Senate plenary to sponsor the bill, adding that it would protect the welfare of motorcycle riders.