Motorcycle backriding for essential workers will be allowed in areas under the two-week modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), according to Philippine National Police deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.
In an interview on Unang Hirit on Tuesday, Eleazar said that motorcycle backriding will be allowed for essential workers or authorized persons outside residence (APOR) during the implementation of a stricter MECQ.
“Papayagan na po under MECQ ‘yung pong backriding dahil nga suspended ang public transport… kung ang backride natin o pasahero o tinatawag na angkas is an essential worker or APOR… and then ‘yung travel niya is work related,” Eleazar said.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said that motorists who will pick-up or drop off their passengers will be allowed on the road provided that they are using the prescribed physical barrier.
“Kung yung driver pala is hindi APOR or essential worker paano na lang kung halimbawa pauwi ka sa paghahatid or pasundo ka pa lang… ayun naman po pag nakita naman ng ating mga checkpoint na may suot kang barrier… consideration na po yun na ikaw ay naghatid o susundo doon sa essential worker,” he explained.
However, Eleazar clarified that motorcycle taxis are still not allowed to operate despite the new quarantine status.
“At saka pati yung motorsiklo ay dapat po ay siya ay privately owned at hindi siya for hire at yung travel na yun ay hindi siya inupahan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eleazar clarified that under MECQ, those who will ride together on motorcycles will be allowed regardless of their relationship status unlike the policy being implemented in areas under the general community quarantine.
“Regardless of relationship ito noong driver at saka pati nung backride. Hindi kailangan sila ay mag-asawa. Outside the area under MECQ yung ngayon na existing na GCQ at MGCQ yung dati pa rin na guideline na inilabas ng NTF ang ating pong susundin. Ibig sabihin, kailangan married couple kayo or partners living together at meron kayong barrier,” Eleazar said.
Public transportation has been suspended following the government’s decision to revert the quarantine status of Metro Manila and nearby provinces under MECQ following the medical community’s plea for a two-week “timeout” amid the rising cases of the coronavirus disease 2019.