Navotas strictly implements helmet ordinance

The municipal government of Navotas on Friday announced a renewed and intensified campaign against motorcycle riders not wearing proper headgear.

Mayor Toby Tiangco said the initial drive resulted in the apprehension of some 1,577 riders in the first six months of the year.

The offenders were cited for violation of Municipal Ordinance No. 2004-13, which requires all motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear within the territorial jurisdiction of Navotas.

The same statute also requires motorcycle owners to put reflectorized stickers or similar devices on their vehicles for safety.

"We are reminding everyone including municipal officials, the Navotas police force and barangay officials that there will be no discrimination nor preferential treatment given to anyone in the enforcement of the ordinance," said Tiangco.

In a directive issued earlier, the mayor reminded concerned officials that no town official must intercede for any offender because he means business and will not tolerate anyone.

"To avoid any embarrassment, we are maintaining a "no pakiusap" policy to show that no one is above the law," the mayor said.

In his report to Tiangco, Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) chief Patood said the 1,577 violators were apprehended by the POSO and Task Force Disiplina (TFD) enforcers in a series of operations.

Patood said some 512 motorcycles were impounded for lack of legal papers such as certificates of registration, official receipts and drivers’ licenses while the rest paid the P350 fine for violating the municipal ordinance.

Navotas is known for the strict enforcement of local laws, allowing it to maintain the distinction of having the best peace and order council in Metro Manila. — Jerry Botial