[UPDATED] Angkas for Couples to be allowed starting July 10

UPDATE as of July 9, 2020, 6:43 PM

Previously, in an interview with DZMM TeleRadyo yesterday morning, July 9, 2020, Sec. Año explained that “couples” who are to be allowed for backriding are those who are ‘living in the same household; whether they are married, or common-law husband and wife or boyfriend or girlfriend and they’re living in the same household.’

Furhtermore, he said that IDs reflecting either the same surname or address of the couple will be used for verification.

However, later on, giving an update regarding this matter, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque announced that only married couples are allowed for motorcycle backriding. They are also reminded to bring with them their IDs and a photocopy of their marriage contract.

In addition, here are some of important reminders to take note of according to the Presidential Communications:

• Motorcycle backriding is only for married couples
• This will be effective July 10, 2020
• Bring ID and a photocopy of marriage contract
• Motorcycles should have shield installed
• Follow the minimum health standards

-END OF UPDATE

SOURCE: Presidential Communications

[July 9, 2020] In an interview over DZMM TeleRadyo today, July 9, 2020, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that motorcycle backriding for couples will be allowed starting tomorrow, July 10.

Motorcycle Backriding for Couples to be Allowed

“Simula bukas, papayagan na natin ‘yung backriding para sa mga couple at ‘yung prototype model na isinubmit ni Gov. Art Yap ay approved na ‘yan ng NTF (National Task Force),” Año said.

The DILG Secretary said that the submitted prototype model will be used. However, the task force is still open for submissions of other designs to be checked by the Technical Working Group (TWG).

“…kung ito naman ay safe para sa travel at talagang may barrier in between the rider and the passenger para hindi magkaraoon ng hawaan ng COVID ay ia-approve din naman kaagad ‘yan,” he added.

Couples to be allowed for backriding, as explained by Sec. Año are, “Couple, living in the same household whether they are married, or common-law husband and wife or boyfriend or girlfriend and they’re living in the same household.”

For verification, couples have to present IDs reflecting either the same surname or address.

Yap’s Prototype Model

Here’s how Secretary Año described Yap’s Prototype Model:

“Meron s’yang barrier in between the rider at saka passenger. Pagkatapos ay mayroon din s’yang handle sa side nung barrier, at lalagpas hanggang ulo n’ya yung barrier para sigurado na walang laway na tatalsik. And at the same time kelangan mag -wear pa rin the mask at saka ng helmet yung ating passenger at driver.”

• It has a barrier in between the rider and the passenger
• The barrier has handles on its sides and shall be higher than the head of the passenger
• The driver and passenger should still wear face masks and helmets

Furthermore, according to the DILG Secretary, “Maganda ito sapagkat talagang protektado ‘yung passenger pero siyempre kailangan dito ang pag-iingat sa pagda-drive.”

Since there will be changes in the configuration of the motorcycles, he also advised the people to strictly abide by the speed limit and to be extra careful while driving.

“Kung nakakapagkaroon ng disgras’ya nung wala pang barrier mas lalo nang dapat dobleng ingat ngayon,” Año emphasized.

SOURCE
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año on DZMM TeleRadyo
Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)