Mayor Belen calls for dialogue
ROW ON HELMET LAW
MAYOR Belen Fernandez views with serious concern the two contending positions vis-à-vis the implementation of the amended ordinance in the city that impacts on the helmet law in the country.
Fernandez, who was recently appointed chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council, said while there is the law, there is also the serious problem posed by it since it has been used by criminal elements to hide their identities when they attack their target victims.
She said she will call for a dialogue among all sectors involving the regional office of the Land Transportation Office this week before the ordinance’s implementation to discuss the issue “that will hopefully result in an action or measure that would lead to the mutual protection of the citizenry and motorcycle riders in the region.”
Last week, Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, regional director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) region one expressed strong opposition to the amendment of the existing helmet ordinance in the city asserting that “an ordinance should not supersede a national law” citing R.A. 10054, the law mandating all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving.
Atty. Jose Netu Tamayo, author of the ordinance defended it citing the provision that it “covers only those motorists who are driving at the speed within 15 kilometers per hour in the central business district, those who are in the checkpoint area and during parades”.
The “Ordinance Instituting Certain Security Measures for the Protection of the Lives and Property of Dagupeños, the measure has four basic components to deter criminals from committing any criminal acts against any person in Dagupan” was recently signed by then acting Mayor Maybelyn Fernandez and was recently published in this newspaper awaiting for a 15-day period before it will be implemented.
Councilor Fernandez assumed as the local chief executive when Mayor Fernandez was in the United States while Vice Mayor Brian Lim was in Japan; both were in an official business leave.
Meanwhile, Mayor Fernandez also defended the ordinance. “We know that there is a national law but I believe they have no bad intention as we are only after the safety and protection of our people, ” she said.
She recalled that prior to the passage of the National Helmet Law, ordinance no. 1922-2008 providing supplementary rules on the use of motorcycle helmets authored by Councilor Karlos Reyna IV was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during her first term as the vice mayor and the presiding officer of the SP in 2008.
“This very first helmet ordinance originated in Dagupan City with the efforts of the officials to protect the lives of motorcycle riders and their back riders because during that time, the number of accidents in motorcycles increased”, said Fernandez.
After several years, the problem on motorcycle riding in tandem criminals became prevalent and has become a national issue.
“This dilemma is not exclusive to our city. It is the same dilemma that the country faces as confirmed during our meetings in the league of cities”, said Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Tamayo welcomes the proposal of Fernandez for a dialogue however maintained that the ordinance which was originally an idea of Atty. Farah Marie Decano, city administrator, is not in disagreement on the national law.
He pointed that the ordinance does not penalize motorists wearing their helmet within the central business district if they are running above the 15 kilometers per hour speed.
“Only those who does not want to be identified by removing their helmet in checkpoint areas or if their speed is below 15 kilometers per hour are covered by the penalties,” said Tamayo.
On the other hand, Guadiz had already expressed his willingness to sit with the SP to discuss the issue.
PUBLIC REACTION
Residents expressed differing views:
Mandy Santos, a tricycle driver: I am in favor of the removal of helmet in the central business district because I am aware of the recent robbery and shooting incidents that were perpetrated by motorcycle riding in tandem criminals. But motorcycle riders should wear helmets along the national highway.
Armando Bondoc, a mall security guard in a mall in Dagupan City who uses motorcycle as a means of transportation, travelling Bayambang to Dagupan every day: I agree with the ordinance.
Lovely Ruisan, a store saleslady: “I worry about the safety of the riders. The police should conduct more patrol and be more visible so that criminals will not have a chance.”
Wilson de Guzman, an office employee: “The removal of helmet in the central business district would be inconvenient to us, as I see it, some motorists might as well not wear or carry any helmet at all since the law enforcement is not that strict”. (Hilda Martin Austria)
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