By
Jinky R. Bargio
Thursday, May 3, 2012
MOTORCYCLE riders have only two more months to comply with the standard helmet provided in Republic Act 10054 or the Mandatory Helmet Act of 2010.
In yesterday’s multi-sectoral forum, the board, represented by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said it aims to clarify the implementing rules and regulations issued in the joint administrative order last Dec. 26, 2011.
This mandates “all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective helmets while driving.”
By August, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will no longer tolerate the use of ordinary helmets.
The Bureau of Product Standards emphasized the use of full-faced, half-faced and half-head helmets that bear Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks or Philippine Standard (PS) stickers.
Deadline
LTO Regional Director Raul Aguilos said that “by first week of August, we shall conduct special operations to implement special provisions of RA 10054. Anyone caught violating shall be penalized.”
Erring motorcycle riders have to pay a fine of P1,500 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense and P5,000 for the third offense, and P10,000 (plus confiscation of the driver’s license) for the fourth and succeeding offenses.
Aguilos said the mandatory use of protective standard helmet is considered a pro-active and preventive approach in the effort to secure motorcycle drivers and their passengers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started its mandatory inspection on all helmet suppliers and dealers.
It is also mandated by law that helmet manufacturers and importers also need to secure a PS license or an ICC mark before selling and distributing their products.
Manufacturers who don’t comply will have to pay a fine of P10,000 to P20,000.
Supply
DTI 7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte assured the riding public that the region has enough supply of helmets.
With LTO intensifying its campaign to go against erring motorcycle riders, Caberte is optimistic that dealers, retailers and suppliers will comply with the standard prescribed helmets.
It was learned that since the start of the inspection, many dealers have returned their old substandard helmets to their suppliers.
The information campaign drew negative reactions among “habal-habal” drivers and some motorists, especially those who bought other types of helmets before the DOTC and DTI issued the implementing rules.
Motorcycle owner Niño Libona still thinks he cannot afford the helmet, as he has other priorities in life.
“Hasol na kaayo gawas nga mahal.. kung ibilin sa motor, way ciguro nga kawaton pa gyud (It’s too much hassle and too expensive…if I leave it on the motorbike, it will probably get stolen),” he said.
A certain Nelson, who hails from Dumaguete City, said he still finds the law impractical especially in their city where roads are narrow.
The Mandatory Helmet Act of 2010, authored by Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., requires all motorcycle drivers and their passengers to wear helmets at all times and imposes stiff penalties on violators.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/05/03/new-law-gives-motorists-2-more-months-comply-helmet-regulation-219483
