Muntinlupa continues crackdown on motorcyclists

Muntinlupa City’s traffic office will continue to enforce the safety helmet policy on all motorcyclists even if there had been a decline in the number of apprehensions in the last three months.

In a recent meeting of the City Peace and Order Council, Demetrio Alvarez, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) chief, said motorcyclists who meet accidents usually suffer severe injuries or death, and “driving without a safety helmet increases the risk.”

Any motorcyclist caught without a helmet will be penalized with P150 fine for the first offense; P300 for the second; and for the third offense, a penalty of P500 and a recommendation letter to be sent to the Land Transportation Office for the revocation of his license.

“Wearing safety helmet will ensure the safety of the driver and his passengers. We will continue to enforce the law,” Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said.

MTMB records showed there were 177 helmet-less motorists apprehended in January. This went down to 139 in February and 99 in March.

San Pedro also reminded all city employees, including MTMB personnel, and the police that they are not exempt from the safety helmet policy.

A city employee who is caught not wearing a safety helmet will be meted the fine and have his motorcycle confiscated. Disciplinary action will also be imposed. If a police officer is caught, his case will be brought to the Muntinlupa police chief for appropriate action. – Rhodina Villanueva