Cebu City mayor appeals for lifting of ban on motorcycle backriders

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has renewed his request for the lifting of the "no back-rider policy" saying passengers feel safer on motorcycles than public transport.

 

“For many households, motorcycles are their only means of transportation to and from home and work as well as in securing their basic necessities. Many of our constituents feel they are safer on their own motorcycles rather than having to take public transport services, which are currently operating at reduced capacities during the GCQ,” said Labella in his June 1 letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

 

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) banned back-riding as part of the social distancing policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año expressed his reservations on allowing back-riders and suggested instead that owners attach a sidecar to their motorbikes.

 

Cebu City transitioned to GCQ last June 1, but a limited number of buses were allowed to ply the city streets. Clamor from motorcycle owners pushed local chief executives in Cebu to request the IATF to review its policy.

 

Labella said he asked Tugade to relax the no backrider policy last March. His request was denied. 

 

“Now, I am writing the DOTr once again since our public transport services are still limited. I am hoping we will have a positive response this time,” he said.