67 helmet law violators caught

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) - 7 apprehended a total of  67 Helmet Law violators as the law took effect yesterday.

LTO-7 Director Raul Aguilos said that only organic personnel from his office conducted the operation in front of their regional office because the deputization order for other personnel is still being processed.

Aguilos said apprehension of violators shall continue and forms part of their regular duty.

First offenders shall be made to pay a fine of P1,500, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 for the third offense and P10,000 for the fourth offense.

“Subay lang ta sa bala-od. Ayaw na lang mo paabot nga madakpon mo,” Aguilos said to the motorists. (Follow the law, don’t wait to get caught.)

The implementation of the Helmet Law was supposed to take effect last August 1 but was deferred to January 1, 2013.

The deferment of the original deadline was in line with the request of the Department of Trade and Industry to be allowed to complete their inspection and distribution of stickers for helmets nationwide.

Under the law, motorcycle drivers and their passenger are required to wear the standard protective gear which the DTI said should bear the Import Commodity Clearance or the PS (Philippine Standards) mark. —/JPM (FREEMAN)