By Mary Judaline Partlow/PNA
DUMAGUETE CITY — The implementation of the mandatory wearing of helmets by motorcycle drivers and backriders in Dumaguete City is in full swing since Monday, Nov. 26.
This came following an earlier agreement between the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Dumaguete District Office, the local government unit of Dumaguete headed by Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and other city officials to delay the implementation of Republic Act 10054 (Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009) until after the city fiesta on November 25.
“As agreed, please wear your helmets because we will go on roadside inspections and operations starting today,” said Land Transportation Office-Dumaguete chief Alberta Janine Lawas, as she appealed to the public for their cooperation.
According to Lawas, a grace period of two months as previously agreed with the mayor is “enough time for the people to procure these helmets” and there is no reason for them to not heed the law.
People in Dumaguete City — officials, motorcycle owners, riders, and the general public, are divided on the issue of whether the mandatory law on wearing of helmets is practical or not for this supposed “motorcycle capital of the Philippines”.
Mayor Remollo agreed that “the law is the law” so he supports it “for the safety of the people”. He, however, previously expressed hope the local government units (LGUs) would be given the authority instead to decide on what is applicable for their areas.
Other city officials agreed with Remollo and have, in fact, sought the help of legislators to have the law amended by Congress.
In the meantime, Lawas stressed that they have no choice but to implement the law because they are mandated to do so, and they do not have any authority to amend it.
“Hinaot masabtan ra pod unta mi sa katawhan nga igo lang kami nga gimandoan sa pagpatuman sa balaod (I hope the people will understand that we are just tasked to implement the law),” she said.
According to Lawas, roadside inspection and operations will be done sporadically as she admitted they do not have enough manpower to do this in all parts of the city.
The HPG, which is deputized by LTO for the implementation of this law, will also be conducting their operations, she said.
Lawas also reiterated that helmets must carry the ICC and/or PS mark sticker, and both the driver and rider have to wear them.
Also, only national highways in Dumaguete City will initially be covered by the helmet law.
Meanwhile, Lawas disclosed she is set to meet with Mayor Remollo soon regarding the helmet law implementation.
