MANILA, Philippines — Back-riding in motorcycle taxis may soon be allowed by the government as agencies involved work on safety protocols to ensure safety and lessen the chances of the transmission of COVID-19
Ang DOTr (Department of Transportation), kasama ang DOST (Department of Science and Technology), DOH (Department of Health), MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), at DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) ay inatasan na magpulong at alamin ang pinakaligtas at epektibong paraan para mabawasan ang transmission sa back-riding sa mga motorsiklo,”
PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON HARRY ROQUE sduring the laging handa public briefing
(The Department of Transportation, together with the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Trade and Industry, have been tasked to confer and study the safest and most effective means to lessen the transmission [of the virus] while back-riding on motorcycles.)
According to the palace official, the practice is already “allowed in principle” upon the approval of the requirements by the Technical Working Group.
“So malapit na po ang backriding pero kinakailangan na ang NTF (National Task Force) ang mag-issue ng mga guidelines,” Roque adds.
Thursday, June 18, the palace announced the Department of Health is studying whether a “special suit” proposed by a ride-hailing firm will ensure physical distancing in motorcycle taxi services.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing that the Department of Health has been formally studying a recommendation presented by Angkas, a motorcycle taxi-hailing app. The app has suggested a special suit to be worn by Angkas drivers.
“Pinag-aaralan po talaga nila if that suit will be sufficient po to more or less provide distancing of sorts.”
presidential spokesperson harry roque
(They are really studying if the suit will be sufficient to more or less provide distancing of sorts)
At present, back-riding on motorcycles is still prohibited during general community quarantine.