Only close relatives can ride tandem on a motorcycle in Mandaluyong City starting Saturday, according to a report on "Balitanghali." To inform the city folk about the new ordinance, the Mandaluyong local government held a motorcade to bring home the message that the 6-month trial period is over, and that it succeeded in reducing criminality involving motorcycle-riding criminals.
Starting Saturday, only first-degree relatives and children up to 10 years old are exempt from the "no back-rider" policy. Police officers, traffic enforcers, and deputized barangay officials have been ordered to implement the ordinance, the report added. Those who will be caught violating the policy will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second, and either a P,3000 fine or a 3-month jail term (or both) for the third – depending on court's ruling.
The ordinance was passed to prevent more crimes committed by motorcycle-riding criminals. Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the 6-month trial period saw a decrease in crime rate, and traffic eased, too. The new ordinance will be in effect for the next 3 years.