Motorcyclists protest helmet sticker rule

Several groups of motorcycle owners and riders protested yesterday the plan of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to implement the “helmet plate stickers” policy, which requires all motorcycle owners and riders to paste up their license plate numbers on their helmets.

The motorcyclists’ groups, led by the Motorcycle Philippines Federation, expressed their strong opposition to the “helmet plate stickers” by blocking a portion of the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) fronting the MMDA central office in Makati City at around 2 p.m. yesterday.

In a petition addressed to MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, federation director Jojo Medina said the policy, passed by the Metro Mayors Council last June 21, “unfairly penalizes the over 350,000 law-abiding motorcyclists within Metro Manila.”

Medina said it is unfortunate that criminal elements are using motorcycles as tools, but the “policy is not the answer to the problem and it will not deter these crimes.”

The motorcyclists, clad in uniforms proclaiming their affiliation with various motorcycle clubs, rode on motorcycles ranging from high-end models to ordinary XRMs.

The groups made a pit stop in front of the MMDA office, where their leaders handed a copy of their petition to MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno, who later turned it over to Fernando.

Medina said his group supports the goals of the MMDA to improve the flow of traffic in various roads in Metro Manila and its campaign to address the rising number of crimes involving motorcycle-riding suspects.

“But this helmet plate stickers will project us, riders, as criminals and will only create fear among the perceptions of incoming tourists that will greatly affect the tourism industry,” Medina said.

The motorcycle riders also questioned MMDA’s motive in singling out the motorcycle owners and riders.

Medina said the unabated robberies, kidnappings, killings and other crimes committed by motorcycle-riding men stemmed from the inaction of law enforcement agencies.

“Will they put their plate numbers on doors just like taxis?” Medina asked Fernando.

Medina said helmet manufacturers do not recommend painting and putting unauthorized adhesives on helmets because it will affect the helmet’s quality and the warranty given to those who buy helmets.

“Each time  you change bikes, upgrade, downgrade or just plain sell, you have to include the helmet or scrape off the number on your helmet and paint in the new one, which compromises the durability of the helmet,” Medina said.

Fernando said he will refer the matter to the Metro Mayors Council for review.