Pagadian City to Enforce Motorcycle Helmet Act
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The Land Transportation Office in the Zamboanga Peninsula region (LTO-9) will spearhead the full implementation of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of the Philippines in Pagadian City. This move comes despite a local resolution seeking to temporarily suspend the helmet requirement within the city proper.
City Resolution No. 2020-0599, passed in July 2020, aimed to halt the motorcycle helmet mandate in the city proper. Local leaders argued that criminals often wore helmets and bonnets that concealed their faces, making it difficult to identify them. However, officials reported that the LTO-9, along with the city’s Traffic Division and local police, will enforce the national law starting August 18, rendering the local resolution ineffective.
Strict Measures on Minors and Helmet Use
Assistant Regional Director Johan Macaumbos warned parents about allowing minors to drive motorcycles. “Those minors who were allowed [by their parents or guardians] to drive, show cause order will be issued to parents, as there is a criminal liability. Parents or guardians may be imprisoned for two to six months,” he said, citing Presidential Decree No. 603. Authorities will also verify high school students’ driver’s licenses, noting many are underage.
“National law will be implemented and not the local resolution,” Macaumbos emphasized, signaling a firm stance on the matter.
Congressional Concerns and Local Government Resistance
On Monday, Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Joseph Kim Yu raised the issue in Congress. Yu highlighted that despite the clarity of the national Motorcycle Helmet Act, the local government continues to suspend the helmet requirement within the city proper. This measure was intended to help identify individuals amid rising motorcycle-related crimes, according to the city resolution.
Yu pointed out that the provincial Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution in 2023 urging the Pagadian City mayor to strictly enforce Republic Act No. 10054. The provincial board also passed a resolution on July 31, calling all local government units in Zamboanga del Sur to comply fully with the law. However, community members noted that Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co has yet to follow these directives.
Road Safety and Crime Statistics Highlight the Issue
Representative Yu cited a recent motorcycle accident on August 1 in Pagadian City, which claimed the lives of two students. He stressed these deaths “could have been prevented had they been wearing helmets.”
He also shared alarming statistics for 2024: 13 shooting incidents involving motorcycles and 127 motorcycle-related vehicular accidents. Yu explained, “That means incidents of criminality account for only about 10% compared to the far greater number of victims from road accidents.”
Mayor’s Position on Helmet Use Within the City
In a recent interview, Mayor Samuel Co referenced the city resolution and clarified his stance. Motorcycle riders leaving the city proper must wear helmets. However, once inside the city proper, riders are allowed to remove their helmets. For those who prefer to keep their helmets on, at least open-faced helmets should be used so their faces remain visible.
This approach aims to balance crime prevention with safety, but it has drawn criticism from officials advocating full compliance with the national law.
For more news and updates on Motorcycle Helmet Act enforcement, visit Filipinokami.com.
