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 ‘Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act’ or ‘Doble Plaka Law.’ The bicameral conference committee report, which was approved on Tuesday, introduces changes aimed at simplifying safety measures and adjusting penalties to more manageable levels.
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 that the primary amendment shifts from a double-plate to a single-plate system, emphasizing the importance of all motor vehicles, particularly motorcycles, having their plate numbers for identification purposes. Despite this change, 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 that the plate number alone suffices for vehicle identification by enforcers.
Lawmakers recognized the LTO’s challenges in distributing plates despite production capabilities, setting a realistic target to clear the backlog by June 30, 2025. Additionally, the revised law adjusts fines to more reasonable amounts, moving away from the previously high penalties of PHP50,000 to PHP100,000.
Representative Acop expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the Senate and the House, stating that the new legislation meets contemporary needs. The finalized bill is set to be printed and submitted for final approval in the coming days.