This refers to Geronimo Sy’s commentary entitled “The evil of the ‘doble plaka’ law” (12/22/21) where issues were raised about the implementation of Republic Act No. 11235, also known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.
Sy must have been grossly misinformed of the salient points of the law. RA 11235 does not require two metal license plates similar to four-wheeled vehicles. In the case of motorcycles, the law prescribes that only a metal number plate be conspicuously placed at its back, while a decal or sticker number plate on its front.
There have been 19,277 victims of crimes perpetuated by motorcycle riders; 7,123 people were killed in these 19,277 incidents. The Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act is created to minimize if not eliminate these crimes. Another target of this law is to eradicate the practice of policemen and traffic enforcers stopping motorcycle riders and extorting money for imaginary violations. RA 11235 is similarly created to stop the extrajudicial repossession of the motorcycle made easy because plates are not issued, no chattel mortgage is registered. This protects motorcycle owners, most of whom are poor wage earners looking for a more economical mode of transportation.
The implementation of the law cannot save those who deny it, but neither can the law serve any who do not use it. Its function is to gain the ends of justice for which the law alone serves—to protect innocent commuters and motorists from the proliferation of crimes and offenses. I enjoin the management of media to be circumspect in its publications, and make sure these are accurate, will not muddle issues, or further the cause of disinformation.
SEN. RICHARD J. GORDON
Pasay City