DTI to Helmet Law protesters: Go to Congress

CEBU, Philippines - An official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that they are just implementing Republic Act 10054 or the Helmet Law and that a protest rally against its implementation should be addressed to the House of Representatives.

DTI-Cebu Provincial Office Provincial Director Nelia Navarro said that ANAD Partylist Representative Pastor “Jun” Alcover should address the issue to himself because he is part and parcel of the legislative department.

“Dapat adto na sa Congress nila i-address ang ilang isyu. We would appreciate any amendment or revision to the Helmet Law. Unsa may mahimo sa DTI ana nga implementor ra man mi. Dili man kami ang naghimo ana nga balaod,” said Navarro. (We did not craft that law, we are just tasked to implement it.)

Rep. Alcover earlier announced that he will lead the protest rally on August 1, the day of the full implementation of the Helmet Law, at the DTI provincial office and the Land Transportation Office. All motorcycle drivers are invited to join.

“Kung mahitabo na, that would be the first time nga ralihan ang DTI. Well, that is their right,” Navarro added. (It’s the first time a rally is directed against the DTI.)

Navarro added that using standard helmets, as approved by DTI-Bureau of Product Safety, is only meant to protect the life of the riders.

“If you use quality helmet, in case mabangga ka, at least taas-taas ang imong chances nga dili ka mangita og asa na imong ulo. My heart really goes to those who cannot understand. This is for their safety, but this is a free country. If they choose not to wear quality helmet, ilaha sad na,” Navarro further said. (Quality helmets can raise one’s chances of surviving accidents but for those who refuse, it’s really up to them.)

She emphasized that the mandatory use of standard helmet is not meant to deprive many motorcycle riders of their livelihood but simply to help them live longer and give their children a better life.

Navarro reiterated that DTI has until the end of the year to inspect helmets and not until July 31 of this year.

Helmet inspections is conducted daily at the DTI-CPO from 8:00am to 12:00 noon and they can only accomodate 250 motorcycle riders per day.

LTO is set to implement the prescribed standard head gear with the impending full implementation of the Helmet Law beginning August 1, this year.

Under the law, motorcycle drivers and their passengers are strictly required to wear the standard protective gear which the DTI said should bear the ICC or the PS (Philippine Standards) mark.

– (FREEMAN)