News
Senators: Scrapping ‘doble plaka’ corrects unfair, impractical policy
By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency
Both senators emphasized that the new law strikes a balance between public order and the rights of ordinary motorcycle users.
(PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – Senators on Thursday welcomed the signing of Republic Act 12209, which removes the controversial “doble plaka” (double plate) requirement for motorcycles, saying this corrects what they described as an unjust and impractical policy.
“This is a victory for the motorcycle-riding community,” Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, the principal sponsor and co-author of the law, said.
“It’s a landmark legislation and a legacy of the 19th Congress that addresses the everyday concerns of millions of riders.”
The new law, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on May 9 amended RA 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevent Act, removes the mandatory front metal plate and eases the penalties under RA11235, a move Tolentino and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said was long overdue.
It also sets a deadline for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to clear its backlog of license plates by June 30, 2026.
Both senators emphasized that the new law strikes a balance between public order and the rights of ordinary motorcycle users.
“This law brings fairness and common sense. It ensures public safety without punishing innocent riders. The front plate was not only impractical but also posed safety risks for many motorcycles,” Ejercito said.
Ejercito, who pushed for the amendments as part of his 2022 campaign platform, called the law’s enactment a “fulfilled promise” and credited its passage to the support of rider groups, stakeholders, and fellow legislators.
“Hindi na nga ma-supply ang plate numbers, dodoblehin pa sana (They couldn’t even supply the plate numbers properly, yet they still wanted to double them). This law addresses that backlog while still upholding accountability on the road,” he added.
