In a significant move towards enhancing motorcycle safety and streamlining regulations, the Senate and House of Representatives have reached a consensus on amendments to Republic Act 11235, popularly known as the ‘Doble Plaka Law’ or the ‘Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.’ The bicameral conference committee report, which was approved on Tuesday, introduces changes aimed at simplifying safety measures and adjusting penalties to more reasonable standards.
The revised legislation, titled ‘An Act Rationalizing the Safety Measures and Penalties Relative to the Operation of Motorcycles,’ notably reduces the requirement from two license plates to one, addressing the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) backlog of 9 million plates. Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino praised the collaborative effort between the two chambers, noting the involvement of key figures such as Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Ronald dela Rosa, and Representatives Romeo Acop and Jam Fortes.
Senator Ejercito highlighted the importance of ensuring all motor vehicles, particularly motorcycles, are properly identified with a single plate number. He stressed that while the amendment shifts to a single plate, the focus on crime prevention remains strong, with continued enforcement of penalties and imprisonment for criminal use of motorcycles.
The amendments also eliminate the need for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, following the LTO’s reported difficulties in implementation. Ejercito pointed out that the LTO believes the plate number alone suffices for vehicle identification by enforcers.
Despite the LTO’s ability to produce plates, distribution challenges persist, leading the agency to set a target of June 30, 2025, to clear the backlog. Additionally, the new law adjusts fines to more manageable levels, moving away from the previously high penalties of PHP50,000 to PHP100,000.
Representative Acop expressed satisfaction with the cooperative spirit between the Senate and the House, emphasizing the timely relevance of the new legislation. The finalized bill is set to be printed and submitted for final approval in the coming days.