Top, a full face helmet. Below, a motorcycle rider disregards the safety of two children – one in the front and another at the rear – as he travels on a village in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines on Monday, August 6, 2012. (Photo by Marvin Saradat – Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / August 06, 2012) – The Philippines is all set to implement the country’s first “full face” helmet law, which mandates motorcycle riders to at all times use the protective headgear while on the road.
The Land Transportation Office said the law will take effect on January next year to give ample time to motorcycle riders to be educated on Republic Act Number 140005.
Acting LTO regional legal officer Abdelshan Amilassan said the full face helmet should also pass the standard set by that the Department of Trade and Industry and must bear the Import Commodity Clearance sticker to ensure the quality of the product.
He said trade representatives will roam around establishments and inspect helmets that are being sold to see if they are in accordance with the product standards set by the government.
“We shall imposed a fine of P1,500 to motorcycle riders should they violate the law,” Amilassan told the Mindanao Examiner.
Some politicians have opposed the use of full face motorcycle helmets in Zamboanga City citing many cases of killings perpetrated by gunmen wearing helmets covering their whole face.
But Amilassan said determined hired killers can also use a bonnet or ski mask, and even sunglasses or hats to cover their identities. He said the primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is safety for the riders – to protect their head during impact, thus preventing or reducing injury and saving the rider’s life. (Marvin Saradat)
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