SAN JOSE, Antique – Gov. Rhodora Cadiao will personally appeal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land and Transportation Office to allow at least one backrider for each motorcycle in this province.
Members of the Antique Inter Agency Task Force on coronavirus disease 2019 informed the governor yesterday that she needs to revise the provisions on her Executive Order 49 on motorcycle pillion riding as DOTr has released contrasting guidelines.
However, this move faced a deluge of public outcry, especially on social media. Antiqueño families bought motorcycles to lessen their commuting expenses.
Governor Cadiao’s EO 49 allows one backrider for each motorcycle, provided that they are immediate family members living in the same household and they wear helmets and facemasks.
According to the governor, she felt the hardship of her kasimanwas.
“I have heard their sentiments. The guidelines on angkas is not applicable in our province. Motorcycle is the main mode of transportation of many Antiqueños,” said Cadiao.
She added: “Nagahulid gani ang mag-asawa, so, why burden them with the issue of social distancing when riding their motorcycle?”
But since Cadiao’s appeal remains pending, she reminded the Antiqueños to abide with DOTr’s guidelines.
The governor’s move was highly appreciated by residents./PN
