Sunday, September 28, 2008 Group seeks scrapping of new motorcycle rule
A LOCAL motorcycle club has urged other riding clubs and concerned groups to move for the scrapping of Land Transportation Office (LTO) AHS-2008-015 or the new regulations on the use and modifications of motorcycles.
In a letter addressed to LTO-Southern Mindanao regional director Gomer Dy, Agila Riders Club pointed out the defects and inconsistencies stipulated in the order as well as provisions they deem as "unfair".
Their first concern is section 1 #8 of the order, which states that "Standard helmet shall mean the protective helmet approved by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) with PNS-UNECE 22 marking."
"This is prejudicial to many of our members and other riders who have purchased (before the AO) helmets which comply with the standards accepted internationally," Agila president Daniel Sunga said in the letter.
"These helmets are very expensive but we are required by the AO to buy again. The supply of UNECE 22 helmets in the city is not sufficient, thus disproportionate to the projected demand in sales brought by the implementation of the AO. At least 95 percent of the riders are facing apprehension," Sunga added.
Considering that UNECE 22 helmets are priced within a range of P3,000 to P30,000, Sunga said most ordinary motorcycle owners cannot afford to buy these.
He also pointed out that while standard helmet is copied from Europe, Philippine road standard, road safety procedures, traffic enforcement are way below European standard.
"If this is the only approved standard of helmet by DTI, the government should not allow the sale of other helmets commercially. Consumers must be protected. Hence, instead of forbidding the consumers from buying, the government should forbid the selling (of sub-standard helmet)," Sunga said.
"What is most ironic is that most of the traffic enforcers on motorcycle in the city do not wear this prescribed helmet, yet they apprehend others," he added.
Also among the points of concern is section 1 number 10 stating that "Saddle bag shall mean the DTI approved built-in carrier of luggage in the motorcycle."
"How many kinds of saddle bags were approved by DTI? Has the list of approved saddle bags been transmitted to the LTO Region 11 for proper guidance? Does it mean that all saddle bags available in the market for the consumers are approved by the DTI? How will LTO determine if the said saddle bag is approved by DTI? How will the rider know if it is approved or not? These are the questions that need to be cleared," Sunga said.
He added that upon query, both DTI and the LTO are not ready to issue the permits needed for implementation of the new directive.
Sunga also said the penalty clause of the AO is not only exorbitant but it is also anti-poor considering most motorcycle owners are not affluent people.
However, the penalty for motorcycle violations is greater than their counter part who owns automobiles.
"To cite a very glaring discrepancy is seatbelt law violation with a mere P150 fine while helmet law violation is a whooping P1,500 (from P150 before the AO). That is 10 times more," Sunga said.
"This order should not be implemented and must be amended due to its defects, flaws and its vagueness. It is not only prejudicial towards the motorcycle riding community by limiting and discouraging the growth of an industry and the livelihood of people," Sunga said. (GLP)
