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BY MERIANNE GRACE EREÑETA
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ILOILO City – A cause-oriented group is opposed to the proposed citywide ban on “riding two up” or the taking of a passenger on the back of a motorcycle.
According to Elmer Forro, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) – Panay, the ban proposed by Councilor Plaridel Nava will adversely affect a lot of people who find the motorcycle a practical and efficient alternative to the passenger jeepney.
“Riding two up” is a commonly accepted North American phrase for riding with a passenger on a motorcycle. In the Philippines, this is called “riding in tandem.” The British English term, meanwhile, is “riding pillion.”
In proposing the ban, Nava cited shootings and assassinations perpetrated by people riding two up.
Forro said Bayan-Panay is seeking an audience with Nava to present their position on the proposed ban.
But while pressing for the ban, Nava’s proposed ordinance also listed several exemptions. These are:
* when the driver or the back rider is a female
* when the back rider is a male under 18 years old
* when the back rider is related to the driver within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, and
* when either the driver or the back rider – or both – is law enforcement officer.
If a driver and back driver are flagged down by a traffic officer, they must preset proof of affiliation, said Nava.
Violators will be immediately apprehended by any law enforcement officer, fined for P5,000 or imprisoned for three months – or both at the discretion of the court.
On Oct. 18, the 44-year-old Joemarie Arroyo of Barangay San Pedro, Molo district was shot to death by gunmen riding in tandem on a motorcycle.
Arroyo sustained wounds on the head, back and chest.
The following night, 20-year-old Wensher Caravana of Barangay Gustilo, La Paz district was also shot to death by riding-in-tandem gunmen.
Nava’s proposed ordinance was referred to the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on transportation and public utilities chaired by Councilor R Leone Gerochi and to the committee on public safety chaired by Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon./PN
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