Rider groups, on Sunday, embarked for another Unity Ride from the Commission of Human Rights to the People Power Monument. Their aim: to oppose efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, arguing that the time and resources allocated by Congress to this effort would be better directed towards passing legislation that safeguards and promotes the interests of marginalized communities, including riders.
Representatives from Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) and other rider groups participating in the protest emphasized the importance of addressing proposed changes to RA 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, commonly known as the ‘Doble-Plaka’ law. This law is resented strongly by the motorcycle riding community prior and until its enactment in March 2019, prompting former President Rodrigo Duterte to temporarily suspend its implementation.
“The distraction posed by charter change (cha-cha) efforts could potentially impede the much-needed amendments to the Doble-Plaka law, especially with the attention of lawmakers divided between the people's initiative and the upcoming 2025 national and local elections,” Kagulong emphasized in a statement to the media.
Senator JV Ejercito, a rider himself and a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, joined the Unity Ride in solidarity with the riders as he, along with his fellow senators, opposed the House-led people's initiative (PI).
Senator JV Ejercito is also the principal author of Senate Bill 159 which seeks amendments to the Doble-Plaka law.
Kagulong highlighted the riders' demand for amendments to the oppressive penalties imposed against violators of this law (ranging from P50,000 – P100,000 with imprisonment), as well as the discriminatory aspects of the Doble-Plaka policy to motorcycle riders compared to other vehicle owners.
In addition to advocating for changes to the 'Doble-Plaka' law, riders are also pushing for the passage of several bills aimed at recognizing and protecting the rights of platform workers, including delivery riders who often face job insecurity and lack social security coverage.
Measures legalizing the operations of motorcycle taxis is also awaiting consideration in Congress.
"These are the urgent issues that concern riders. There is nothing about cha-cha in our agenda," Kagulong concluded. ###
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