Motorcycle back-riding or angkas for essential workers and authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) has received a green light from the Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid Shield on Tuesday.

Unlike the guidelines prior, riders can now back-ride even though they are not related. However, the purpose of travel should solely be work-related. A barrier between the rider and the passenger is still required.

Paying the rider is also prohibited since the motorcycle should be privately-owned and is not for services.

“Since public transportation is not allowed in Metro Manila and the four provinces under MECQ from August 4 to August 18, motorcycle back-riding will be an essential mode of transportation to ensure that no frontliners and other essential workers would be stranded as they go out to report to work and on their way back home,” said Task force commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar.

The last time Metro Manila has undergone modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), back-riding was not allowed yet. Only couples living together in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) were allowed to do so until August 4.

Aside from Metro Manila, provinces including Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal have also been placed under MECQ until August 18.

Photo Credit: PNA/Joey Razon