‘It’s not good, it’s dangerous’: Duterte seeks to suspend ‘doble plaka’ policy

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he would temporarily suspend the implementation of the controversial Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (Republic Act 11235 ) which he signed into law last month, citing that it’s “not good and is dangerous.”

“I will try to convince the LTO to maybe hang onto it, i-suspend ko lang muna, kasi it is not good. It is dangerous to place another gadget, lalo na may kanto ang plate number eh,” Duterte was quoted in a speech at the 25th annual convention of the National Federation of the Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines in Iloilo City.

(I will try to convince the LTO to maybe hang onto it, I will suspend it for the meantime because it is not good. It is dangerous to place another gadget, especially since a license plate has corners.)

The president also suggested increasing the size of the rear plate by one-fourth so that the numbers will be more visible.

“Ang importante talaga yung sa likod, (The rear is more important)” Duterte said.

Duterte signed into law the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act last March 8 in a bid to curb crimes. The law requires riders to have bigger and readable license plates from the front, back and side of a motorcycle, to easily identify the registration of riders and prevent them from easily getting away after committing a crime.

The passage of the law drew criticisms from riders who said it is “discriminatory and dangerous.”

Thousands of riders last month held a nationwide simultaneous unity wide protest to oppose the law.

READ: ‘No to doble plaka’: Thousands of motorcycle riders hold nationwide protest

Meanwhile, Duterte, a known motorcycle enthusiast, in his speech said he just signed the measure into law because it was recommended by the police and military.

"Alam mo kasi bakit pinirmahan ko, ang pulis tao ko yan, ang military tao ko, anong irekomenda nila, I will adopt it. Basta maglagay lang ng rationale," the president said.

(Why did I sign it? Because the police and the military are under my authority. Whatever they recommend, I will adopt it, as long as they provide a rationale.)

Sen. JV Ejercito, who was also present at the NFMCF, said the president discussed the measure with motocross legend and Duterte’s long-time riding buddy Butch Chase, prior to his speech.

“He’s a listening president,” Ejercito said.

President Duterte puts on hold implementation of Doble Plaka.

Had a chat with the President together with his friend, motorcyle legend Butch Chase prior to his speech at the Bike Convention.

He is a listening President.

— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) April 6, 2019

READ: Everyone should follow 'doble plaka' policy, Panelo says