Senate approves proposed amendments to Doble Plaka Law

MANILA – The Philippine Senate on Monday approved in plenary Senate Bill (SB) No. 2555, which seek to amend Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, otherwise known as the "Doble Plaka" (double plate number) Law, with 22 affirmative votes, zero negative, and no abstention.

SB 2555 seeks to provide fair and reasonable regulations for motorcycle riders, ensuring not only their security and safety but also of the community by amending the provisions regarding the imposition of fines and imprisonment penalties, adjusting them to a more reasonable amount and period.

The bill also proposes the installation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stickers at the front of the motorcycle instead of the original decal plates for the safety of the riders.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Senator Francis Tolentino thanked all his colleagues for supporting SB 2555.

"This representation would like to express its appreciation for all our colleagues who voted affirmatively in support of this measure and to thank all of you for amending the seemingly discriminatory Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act," said Tolentino, who sponsored the measure last February.

In his sponsorship speech, he said the "Doble Plaka" law, if not amended at the appropriate time, is akin to a Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of motorcycle riders.

"There is no assurance when the suspension will last and there is that constant fear that the same might be lifted anytime, leaving them with no choice but submit to the law no matter how harsh or discriminatory the latter is," Tolentino said.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa cited the approval of SB 2555 as a "testament to this Senate's commitment to the people."

"Ang ganap na pagsasabatas ng panukalang ito ay makapagbibigay ng kapanatagan ng loob sa ating mga motorista na wala nang diskriminasyon sa daan, dalawa, tatlo, o apat man ang gulong ng inyong sasakyan (The full enactment of this proposal can give peace of mind to our motorists that there is no more discrimination on the road, whether you have a two, three, or four wheeled vehicle)," dela Rosa said in his manifestation.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito also expressed his support for the measure, admitting that some criminals tend to use motorcycles for their illegal activities, but emphasized that more people are using it as an alternative and faster form of transportation.

"Wala pong masama na parusahan ang nagkasala ngunit hindi rin makatarungan na ipataw ito sa buong sektor ng lipunan na mga bayani ring maituturing nitong mga nakaraang taon (There is nothing wrong with punishing the guilty, but it is also unfair to impose it on an entire sector of society who can also be considered heroes in recent years)," Ejercito said, referring to the delivery riders who worked at the height of the pandemic. (PNA)