Manila, Feb. 4 -- The Senate ratified Monday the amendments to the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act or the Doble Plaka law.

Penalties and fines have been lowered under the reconciled version of the bill.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito, the principal author and sponsor of the amendments, said the amended law was a reflection of the government's willingness to listen and correct measures that may have unintended consequences.

The amended bill, now awaiting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s approval, introduces significant changes to ease burdens on motorcycle owners while keeping public safety by removing the Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) requirement.

While dealers must register motorcycles within f...