After nearly two years and six months of hearings and deliberations, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has finally announced it is ready to come up with a decision regarding the petition filed against Republic Act No. 11235, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act or the 'doble plaka' law.
During a hearing last Friday, February 26, Judge Luisito Cortez of Quezon City RTC Branch 84 informed the petitioners and respondents of the case that he is ready to release a decision after both parties had submitted their respective memoranda on the issue.
Justitia Lex Machina (JLM), led by Atty. Galileo Angeles, filed the petition for the issuance of a temporary restraining order with prayer for preliminary injunction against RA 11235. JLM is composed of more than 40 lawyers who are also riding enthusiasts. The group believes the hefty penalties and jail term cited in RA 11235 is not only unfair to the riding community, but also unconstitutional and illegal.
The named respondents in the petition were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade, and Land Transportation Office chief Edgar Galvante. They are represented in the case by the Office of the Solicitor General. The lead counsel for JLM is Atty. Rolly Abing.
Legal experts say that under normal circumstances, it would likely take at least 3 months for the QC RTC to publicly announce its decision on the issue.
