Cebu governor withdraws backriding order after Duterte disapproval

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has withdrawn her executive order that would have allowed motorcycle backriding in the province.

Governor Garcia's decision came after President Duterte disapproved of the plan, citing potential violations of the anti-graft law if exemptions were granted.

The Provincial Board was supposed to hold a special session to adopt the executive order, but this was deferred following the President's statement.

Garcia stated that she would comply with the President's directive out of respect.

Earlier, Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco Densing had warned Garcia against pursuing the order, mentioning potential show-cause orders and legal charges.

Densing emphasized that prohibiting motorcycle backriding is a national guideline to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Garcia explained that she issued the order in response to the appeals of Cebuanos who were burdened by limited public transportation under the general community quarantine.

She also cited Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which permits motorcycle backriding without a fee.