Estrada plans motorcycle riding in tandem ban in Manila

Manila mayor, Joseph Estrada file photo

MANILA, Philippines–Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada plans to ban motorcycle riding in tandem in a bid to curb street crimes in the city.

Estrada issued the statement on Friday during the 113^th anniversary of the Manila Police District (MPD), saying this is to enforce a law against criminals using motorcycle.

Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno said a thorough consultation will be made with all stakeholders especially motorcycle advocates who will definitely argue against the said measure.

Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF) advocate Atoy Cruz in an interview over Inquirer Radio 990AM said  the group is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police curb thje rising case cases of riding-in-tandem killings.

Cruz proposed that the government increase its police visibility instead of pushing for a “numbered vest” which he claimed as ineffective.

An ordinance was earlier pushed in the city council of Manila prohibiting riding-in-tandem in motorcycles, saying motorcycles were “fast, sleek and easy to maneuver even in heavy traffic being capable of sprinting away through narrow alleys to elude pursuing police vehicles.”