Party-list Rep to IATF: Issue special passes for back-riding

Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong has called on the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to issue special identification cards or passes exempting couples and family members from the ban on motorcycle back-riding during the general community quarantine (GCQ) period.

“It doesn't make sense that people who are living, eating and sleeping together in the same house should be apprehended for being in the same vehicle or for riding together on a motorcycle for supposed violation of the rules on physical distancing set by the IATF,” Ong pointed out.

The lawmaker questioned the reasoning behind the ban on back-riding - - that it can lead to further transmission of the virus. He said anyone can spread the virus whatever transport mode they use. 

Ong also pointed out that contact tracing would even become more difficult if the infected individual used public transport instead of a vehicle driven by a family member.

The lawmaker added that motorcycles and bicycles are the easiest means of mobility for many workers now that public transportation is limited.

“Sana naman maintindihan ng Task Force na hindi lahat ng mga kababayan natin ay may sariling kotse o may kakayahan na magbayad ng taxi o kaya ng ating mga TNVS (transportation network vehicle service). Kailangan nating mabigyan ng ligtas na alternatibong transportasyon ang mga kababayan natin. Sobrang bugbog na po ang karamihan sa atin dahil sa Covid pandemic. Bigyan naman natin sila ng kaunting konsiderasyon,” Ong appealed.

(I hope the Task Force understands that not all our countrymen have their own cars or the means to pay for a taxi or TNVS. We need to provide a safe alternative transportation mode for them. Many are worn out because of the Covid pandemic. Let’s give them some consideration)

Ong said the IATF-EID can also ask the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) to help create electronic passes which can be read through QR reading apps.

“These are very simple solutions to a very simple problem. Let’s not make this issue very complicated,” Ong concluded.