Republic Act #10054 – The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 is now law and mostly enforced in most of the Philippines (especially in large cities and municipalities).
But now Representative Celos Lobregat of the 1st District of Zamboanga City has filed a bill to allow local officials to ban the wearing of helmets instead.
“In 2013, according to records from the Philippine National Police, more than 3,000 crimes committed by motorcycle riders were reported in Metro Manila alone,” Lobregat said in filing House Bill #4438. “This measure aims to provide the circumstances wherein the implementation of RA 10054 can be temporarily suspended by LGUs in their respective areas of jurisdiction.”
Based on the bill, regions that have high incidences of motorcycle assassins could temporarily suspend the Motorcycle Helmet Act for a period of up to one year. The so called “temporary supension” may also be extended for a year “upon determination of the necessity for the extension by the local peace and order council.”
“While this amendatory bill recognizes the importance of protective gear like helmets in safeguarding motorcycle riders from injury during road accidents, the proposed measure also considers the security and well-being of the public since criminal elements are now taking advantage of the mobility provided them by motorcycles, and the convenience and ease with which they can conceal their identities by wearing helmets while committing crimes,” the lawmaker added.
Similar legislation was enacted in Colombia when Pablo Escobar’s “sicarrio” assassins were claiming hundreds of lives.
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