DTI ends helmet certification period

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ended recently its accommodation for acquiring helmet certifications.

“Actually, nagpost na kami [na tapos na] kasi marami pa ring nagta-try [mag-apply for stickers]. Pero lahat nagbenebenta ng helmets ngayon ay may ICC stickers,” said Director Freda Gawisan of DTI Benguet.

The DTI admitted that the application for ICC sticker only runs from July to December of 2012, which is in line with the RA 9001 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

Out of the 6,446 applications, only 5,732 were certified A, hundred and fourteen were already affixed with ICC and 600 were rejected.

Some helmets were rejected because it did not pass the DTI’s quality examination.

However, Gawisan said a good helmet should have a visor, retention system, and protective pads.

“Siguro maganda na itabi muna nila ang mga helmet nila [na walang ICC stickers] dahil siguradong mahuhuli sila,” said Gawisan.

When asked if there is a possibility that DTI will again entertain ICC sticker applications, Gawisan said, “that is already the call of LTO.”

Any person caught driving without wearing the standard helmet will pay a fine of P1,500 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 for the third offense, and P10,000 and confiscation of driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

“In this kind of law, we are just saving their lives,” Gawisan said. (Jemmie Vejerano, UP Intern)