LTO reveals possible front plates for 'Doble Plaka'

Will proposed motorcycle decals pacify riders?

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) held the 1^st Public Consultation for the drafting of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11235 in its East Avenue headquarters today. Otherwise known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, it was principally authored and sponsored by Senator Richard 'Dick' Gordon with Senator Vicente 'Tito' Sotto as its co-author. Just this past 8th of March, it was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte and has since been the bone of contention of the motorcycle riding public.

_{LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante shows the other possible front 'plate' decal designs for motorcycles in accordance with RA 11235}

“The IRR cannot go over or below what the law says” reiterated by LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, after a question was asked as to what the agency can do to “fix” certain provisions of the law, particularly the hefty fines and prison time if one is proven guilty of violating RA 11235. The LTO, he said, "is an implementing agency, therefore cannot amend what is stated in RA 11235." (sic)

^{The motorcycle manufacturers also presented possible areas where a front decal could be installed}

As on the issue of front plates, the LTO according to ASEC Galvante, is leaning towards the use of decals or stickers instead, much like those used in vehicle's conduction stickers which last for almost the entire life of the vehicle itself. “Hindi naman sa sinasabi natin na mas magaling tayo sa lumikha ng batas... Noong una pa lang na dini-discuss yan, we [LTO] never thought of using metal material for front plates.” (We're not saying that we're better than the law makers...even during the early discussions [of the then proposed bill], we [LTO] never thought of using metal material for [the] front plates.) The Assistant Secretary also assured that they care for the rider's safety and welfare, and will not just follow the law with a blind eye “Lagi namin isina-alang alang kung ano yung safe and secure. Sana huwag natin isipin na basta blindly susunod tayo tapose hindi natin isina-alang alang yung kapakanan at kaligtasan ng mga gumagamit nito [motorcycles]. (We always consider what is safe and secure. Please do not think that we [LTO] will just blindly follow and then not consider the welfare and safety of motorcycle riders).

^{According to the LTO, this is most likely the "final version" of the rear plate number for motorcyles. 193x174 mm (WxH)}

ASEC Galvante admitted though that due to the hundreds of motorcycle designs, it was tough for the LTO to formulate a standard front identification system for all two-wheeled steeds and reiterated that they would really appreciate all the help they could get from the motorcycle community and its industry in drafting the IRR. Also, ASEC Galvante discussed that some front identification systems of motorcycles that they have tested cannot be fully seen, especially during the night as the front light would glare, like that of a photograph where the subject is against the light. But "the law is the law", he said, and it must be implemented.

^{After PRRD's speech in Iloilo Motorcycle Convention, the LTO also drafted possible plate number designs in line with the President's request}

“Iniisip namin, mag-prepare na kami. Yung pinaka predominant na model at kung anong size or shape nung sticker or decal na maitutugma doon. As LTO, magma-manufacture na kami ng maaaring dalawang shape, na kung anong applicable sa type ng motorsiklo mo yun ang ikakabit mo. (We already thought of preparing. What motorcycle model or design is predominant and what sticker size and shape would fit. As the LTO, we will start manufacturing, say, two shapes and what ever is applicable to your motorcycle, that's the one you will put) said ASEC Galvante.

^{(Top to bottom) Edwin Cua representing the big bike community, Edwin Go representing the motorcycle dealers and Alfredo Lejano representing the motorcycle manufacturers. Also present were Jobert Bolanos, Atoy Sta. Cruz and Robert Perillo, representing the majority of the motorcycle community.}

ASEC Galvante then told the audience that the front decal or sticker idea is not yet final and his agency is open to suggestions. “Isang idea lang yun na ine-entertain namin para makapag patupad tayo sa ine-intensyon ng batas. But again, wala pang desisyon dyan. Kung ano ang maisa-suggest nyo na practical, durable...tatanggapin namin yun.” (That's only one of the ideas that we're entertaining so that we could start implementing the intention of the law. But again, there's no decision and that's not yet final. What ever you can suggest that is practical, durable... we will accept that.)