MANILA, Philippines — Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto questioned on Saturday the need for a barrier between married couples when they ride pillion on a motorcycle. In a statement, Recto wondered what was the use of a barrier “when couples hold hands in going to the motorcycle and kiss each other goodbye after the ride?”ADVERTISEMENT“As a virus shield, it is as effective as installing a concrete road divider on the matrimonial bed,” he added. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) earlier allowed pillion riding on motorcycles for married couples, as long as a divider is installed between the driver and passenger. Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya allayed fears that the barrier would pose safety concerns, saying that it was approved by experts and even the Land Transportation Office. “Or can we just ask health experts if a couple who sleep together at night without masks can safely ride a motorcycle together with masks and helmets on?” he further questioned.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 11, 2020 08:37 UTC