Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has appealed to the Land Transportation Office (LTO-6) to allow backriders on motorcycles.
In Executive Order No. 075 issued by Treñas, motorcycle backrides are allowed during the period of the general community quarantine (GCQ) from May 16 to 31, 2020.
The mayor, in a press conference on Monday, May 18, explained that only the immediate family members of private motorcycle drivers are permitted to backride.
“We will talk to the LTO. We will try to let them understand nga ang akon pagtugot is only for family members,” Treñas said.
“Kon asawa mo bi dul-ong mo sa iya gina-ubrahan, dulong mo sa hospital. Paintindihon ta man ni sa ila,” he added.
But lawyer Gaudioso Geduspan, LTO-6 assistant regional director, said the provision of the EO is in conflict with LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2185.
“In compliance with physical distancing requirements, the prohibition of backride passengers or motorcycle riders shall remain for the duration of the GCQ period,” the memorandum stated.
Geduspan clarified that the memorandum was issued by the LTO Central Office in Manila.
“Napalab-ot ta naman ina nga sentimiento sa aton Central Office,” he said.
Aside from Iloilo City, other local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas also allowed motorcycle backriders.
According to Geduspan, their office had already sent letters to the LGUs asking them to ammend their respective EOs.
“Samtang ginahulat ta pa ang pag-amend nila, wala anay sang apprehensions nga matabo,” he assured.IMT
