Biker group questions new LTO order

The Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF) called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to educate its own personnel on its new administrative order, which seeks to regulate what modifications can be done on motorcycles.

At a forum, MCPF director and spokesman Atoy Sta. Cruz said the lack of public awareness regarding Administrative Order AHS-2008-015 has led to all law enforcers apprehending motorcyclists for violating the order. 

“As far as the (order) is concerned, we are told that only LTO personnel can enforce the order. How come the (Philippine National Police), the (Metro Manila Development Authority), and even barangay (police) are conducting arrests?” Sta. Cruz said.

He also said there is also a need for the LTO to clarify the order, particularly the provisions dealing with motorcycle modifications.

“Some LTO personnel do not fully understand the (order). We have a member who upgraded his wheels for road safety, but the LTO personnel arrested him,” Sta. Cruz said. Wider wheels hug the ground better, which means a motorcyclist is less likely to slip during rainy weather.

Sta. Cruz said LTO chief Alberto Suansing has set another meeting this week to determine how to modify the order.

“Mr. Suansing said he will work on our concerns and assured us that road safety will be a priority,” Sta. Cruz said. – Sandy Araneta