Lawmaker disapproves ‘discriminatory’ proposals vs motorcycle riders

A lawmaker described the two newly-filed proposals related to motorcycle-riding as "discriminatory."

In a Facebook post, the lawmaker — who is also a motorcycle enthusiast — vowed on not supporting the House Bill (HB) 1419 (also known as Anti-Lane Splitting Bill) and HB 32 (proposed Motorcycle Safety Riding Act). “Should these bills become law, these could potentially worsen traffic and affect courier and delivery services that help the economy,” he said.

“The proposed measure discriminates against motorcycle drivers. Most riders cannot afford to buy larger vehicles and other forms of vehicles are not subject to the same regulations,” Ejercito said.

According to the lawmaker, the penalty being imposed could go a long way for a rider with limited financial capability.

He said that instead of punishing riders with “unnecessary expenses,” he urged the Congress to prioritize amendments to Republic Act (RA) 11235, which is commonly known as the “Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.”

“Senate Bill 159 seeks to replace the mandatory installation of oversized license plates in front of motorcycles with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner system. The measure also aims to reduce the penalties stated in RA 11235 and align them with the penalties imposed on four-wheeled vehicles,” he cited.

Sa paggamit ng RFID scanners, maiiwasan ang diskriminasyon sa mga riders at mababawasan ang abala. Kung hindi nakaalarma ang motor, tuloy-tuloy lang ang biyahe ng ride (by using RFID scanners, discrimination among riders will be avoided and inconvenience will be reduced. If the motor is not alarmed, the journey will not be hampered), he ended.

The HB 1419 was filed by Pangasinan Representative Ramon Guico Jr. last month while HB 32 was from Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Jay Velasco (filed last June 30).

Photos from  Ruben D. Manahan IV, JV Ejercito Facebook page

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