Sen. Raffy Tulfo has commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for acting on his suggestion to stop selective police checkpoints, saying the implementation of police checkpoints should be uniform for all vehicles and not limited to motorcycles.
“With uniformed guidelines for all, traffic jams caused by checkpoints can be avoided as well,” Tulfo said.
Following complaints on discrimination against motorcycle riders, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services in March 2024 urged the PNP to issue proper checkpoint guidelines that are fair for all motorists including four-wheel vehicles like pick-up, SUV, and van.
He also filed Senate Bill (SB) 1977 in the same month to regulate the establishment of checkpoints to prevent any violation of the constitutional rights of motorists against abuse, unwarranted searches, and planting of evidence.
Tulfo said he is happy that PNP Directorate for Operations director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Salvador, through a memorandum dated June 22, reportedly instructed police officers to stop “selective” implementation of checkpoints.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil also confirmed he already ordered those manning checkpoints to include cars and other four-wheeled vehicles.
Tulfo is currently studying ways to give discounts on motorcycle registration and renewal for Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) riders including food delivery riders and couriers to lessen their expenses.
