LTO open to decals, RFID instead of front metal plates for motorbikes

It looks like riders’ concerns regarding the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act haven’t fallen on deaf ears.

Earlier today, a dialogue was held between members of the Philippine riding community, the Philippine Senate, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to discuss issues surrounding the new law’s implementation. Senator JV Ejercito—an avid rider—was part of the meeting, and according to him, things might be looking up.

“Ang maganda, si Asec Galvante ng LTO, very open siya. Saka in fact, mas gusto niya decals in lieu of metal plates. Either decal or RFID which is even better para maging high-tech tayo,” Ejercito said during an interview following the dialogue.

“Sa IRR naman kasi, di naman istrikto yung batas na dapat metal plates, nakalagay number plates. Ang lumang version nakalagay metal, pero ang pasadong version number plates, so pwedeng metal ang likod which is acceptable, yung harap is either decal or RFID which is safe,” Ejercito added.

This is very good news for riders who raised concerns regarding a front license plate’s effect on a motorcycle’s aerodynamics and safety. Ejercito also stressed that he himself is against the requirement, saying a plate could fly off a motorbike and hit someone.

“Ako, bilang rider, talagang against din ako sa metal. Sa harap kasi talagang delikado sa safety, (at sa) aesthetics siyempre sayang ang pogi points. Ako rin may motor din ako papanget din naman. Hindi lang yun, yung safety kasi pag yun ay kumalas pwedeng tumama sa ’yo,” he said.

“Yun ang main concern ng ating riders kaya medyo masaya naman ako—di ko akalain magiging happy, maganda ang kalalabasan. Maraming napag-usapan na mga concern sa riders, so hopefully, ito na ang magiging start in the future mabawasan na rin ang harassment.”

Ejercito also said that he plans to files amendments to address issues regarding the law’s fines and penalties. He says he will raise the issue with Senator Richard Gordon. What other changes do you hope to see made to the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act?

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