Guv seeks exemption from helmet law

DUMAGUETE CITY , Philippines   â€“ Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo has assured he will find ways for a possible moratorium on the implementation of the mandatory helmet law in the city during the staging of the Palarong Pambansa 2013 athletic meet here from April 21 to 27.

Dumaguete is popularly known as the “motorcycle capital” of the country and has been under close public scrutiny after some local officials and scores of residents expressed opposition to Republic Act 10054 or the law that requires motorcycle drivers and their passengers to wear prescribed helmets at all times.

The governor’s assurance to “freeze” the mandatory helmet law came as the number of people in the city has increased with the arrival of athletes, coaches and other regional delegations from across the country for the annual Palarong Pambansa event.

At least 17 regional athletic delegations and thousands more government officials, domestic and foreign tourists are expected in Dumaguete and other nearby towns for the duration of the country’s biggest national athletic games.

Already, hotels are fully booked while commercial airlines seats are no longer available with sea travel left as option for others wanting to come to Dumaguete for the event.

Degamo said he will make representation with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to temporarily suspend operations against the non-wearing of helmets in Dumaguete, even as police authorities admitted their hands will also be tied with implementing safety and security measures for the athletes, delegates and the general public.

Negros Oriental Provincial Police director, Sr. Supt. Noli Romana, for his part, said it would be outrageous to apprehend hundreds of motorists for violating the helmet law when only a few police personnel are deputized by LTO to enforce traffic laws.

It is expected that visitors would be flocking to the motorcycle rental shops in Dumaguete during the Palaro games. Most of these shops do not have corresponding helmets to rent out, thus further complicating the problem of full implementation of the helmet law.

Danny Atillo, chief of the Traffic Management Office, disclosed that he and his personnel are not involved in the enforcement of the mandatory wearing of helmets and are concentrating instead on other traffic violations.  (FREEMAN)