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Bacolod City, Philippines Thursday, August 2, 2012
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Motorcycle riders
hold helmet protest
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

About 300 motorcycle riders held a noise barrage in front of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Land Transportation Office in Bacolod City yesterday to protest against the implementation of R.A. 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

The protest caravan started at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and ended at the Bacolod City Government Center at about 10 a.m.

Fred Quillip, president of the Negros Island Motorcycle Federation, yesterday said they are protesting against the penalties provided in R.A. 10054 (or an Act mandating all motorcycle riders to wear standard protection motorcycle helmets while driving) and the lack of information drive by the DTI.

He said the law that was pushed by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. imposes penalties ranging from P1,500 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 for the third offense, and P10,000 plus confiscation of drivers license for the fourth offense.

Quillip said the bill was passed into law in 2003 yet but is only being implemented now. He also said they have sought the support of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod to bring their concerns to the national government and are asking for the amendment of the law, particularly regarding the penalties that to be imposed.

Because of the law, he claimed, the cost of a standard motorcycle helmet has gone up to P2,000 and this should be regulated by the DTI with the rising costs of gasoline and basic commodities, they find it an additional burden, he added.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the use of a padded crash helmet for motorcycle riders is a basic safety requirement set by the LTO based on a national law and can be implemented even without a corresponding local ordinance.

Motorcycles are a reality in the city because of its economic benefits and for other reasons. However, the risk of an accident is bigger for motorcycle riders compared to those riding a four wheeled vehicles, he said.

However, Leonardia said, the Department of Transportation and Communications, has directed the LTO to defer enforcement of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 and its implementing rules and regulations.

The decision to defer it was in line with the DTI's request to give them more time to inspect all the helmets coming into the country. DTI wants to ensure that all the helmets bear the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) seal issued by the Bureau of Products Standard, he said.

DTI requested to be given until the end of the year to complete the inspection before the Helmet Law and its IRR is enforced nationwide.

The DOTC has directed the LTO to instruct its enforcers to issue reminders to motorcycle drivers starting August 1, until the end of the year. In cooperation with other pertinent government and private agencies and organizations, the LTO will conduct an aggressive public information and education campaign on the matter.

During the period covered, no punitive measures such as the issuance of citation tickets will be implemented.

From January 1, 2013, motorcycle drivers caught driving without a protective helmet bearing the ICC seal will be issued citation tickets and penalized as provided in the Helmet Act of 2009.

The IRR of the Helmet Law was stipulated in the joint administrative order (JAO) crafted by the DOTC and DTI, requiring motorcycle drivers and riders to use protective motorcycle helmets with PS and ICC seals.*CGS

 

 

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