Roque: Backriding allowed for APORs

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that backriding will no longer be exclusive to couples during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) that was recently imposed in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

During a virtual presser, Roque said that unlike the previous order, Authorized Person/s Outside of Residence (APORs) are now authorized to ride pillion and that the trip needs to be work-related.

“Isa pong update, bagamat bawal pa rin po ang backriding, mayroon po tayong isang exception. Kapag ang pasahero po ay APOR or Authorized Person Outside of Residence at ang biyahe ay work-related, pwede pong mag-angkas,” Roque said.

“Pero ulitin ko lang po, ang backride ay para lamang sa APORs na papunta lamang sa biyahe na work-related at hindi naman po ni-require na mag-asawa, kapag APOR ang sakay. Kahit na ang driver ay hindi related sa pasahero, basta APOR ang sakay, pwede,” he said, citing the meeting held Monday of the National Task Force  on COVID-19.

The chief executive’s spokesperson added that the motorcycles that will be used for backriding should be privately owned and not motorcycle taxi or motorcycle for hire.  

Meanwhile, he  also reiterated that apart from shuttle services and P2P travel services for health workers, there will be no public transportation that will be allowed during this period.

“Uulitin natin, wala pa rin pong public transportation sa MECQ. Ang tanging pinapayagang bumiyahe sa pampublikong transportasyon ay ang shuttle services, P2P travel services na ‘yung given priority ay mga healthworkers natin,” Roque said.

He advised companies that are allowed to operate to hire or lease jeepneys, buses and UV Express that cannot ferry passengers during this period to be utilized as shuttle services.

“Muli, hinihikayat namin ang mga kumpanya na mag-hire o mag-lease ng mga pampublikong sasakyan gaya ng mga jeepney, buses at UV Express na hindi makakabiyahe ngayong MECQ. Bilang mga shuttle service, bibigyan sila ng prayoridad ng LTFRB,” Roque urged.

Further, he said that no special permit shall be required for those public utility vehicles that will be used as shuttle service.

“Kailangan lang po ay magpakita ang driver ng certificate/authorization letter o letter of intent mula sa kumpanya na may nakasaaad na partikular na ruta bilang patunay na ang pampublikong sasakyan ay ginagamit na shuttle service,” he explained.

Meanwhile, personal vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles and e-scooters are allowed during the MECQ, Roque added.

Earlier, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año announced that pillion riding or backriding will be allowed  but will only be for couples and live-in partners.

Photo/s from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Harry Roque Facebook Page

Also read:

Luzon Now under ‘Enhanced Community Quarantine’

Metro Manila now on GCQ

Malacañang announces quarantine protocols; still no mass transport