The Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a resolution requesting a moratorium on the implementation of the Helmet Law for the next three months. The move of the city council came even as personnel from the Land Transportation Office and the PNP have started installing checkpoints to implement the law that mandates the use of helmets for both drivers and their passengers. Two weeks ago, Councilor Doni Piquero filed a resolution requesting Chief Supt. Ager Ontong, PNP Region 7 chief for the suspension of the law’s implementation. The resolution was finally approved unanimously after it was deliberated upon by the city councilors.

Earlier, Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim sought for the postponement of the implementation of the law due even as he stressed that there was no argument about its validity and importance. Lim recalled that the suspension of the implementation was prompted by a noticeable surge in the incidence of hold-ups and highway robberies perpetrated by suspects hiding behind their helmets. The mayor noted that while helmets are originally intended to protect drivers and their backseat passengers from serious injuries during road accidents and mishaps, criminals are now using it to hide their identities and abet their criminal activities. In pushing for the moratorium on the implementation, city officials cited at least three reasons for their position. Lim said the sudden and immediate implementation would make it nearly impossible to conduct a comprehensive information drive regarding the said campaign. Some sectors even raised fears that it could be used as a ruse by unscrupulous elements masquerading as deputized traffic aides for their extortion activities on unsuspecting violators especially in isolated areas.

The mayor said the immediate implementation would put a stress on most motorcycle owners and users in the city due to the insufficient supply of the authorized helmets in stores and business establishments that cater to this line of business. During the deliberations, Councilor Lucille Yap-Lagunay said the implementation period can be used as part more for education dissemination purposes than the imposition of penalties for those who fail to comply with it. Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes also noted that there is a need to define what is the authorized helmet because many motorcycle users will put on anything that resembles a helmet just to evade apprehension. The councilors also admitted that the acquisition of helmets would mean additional expenses on motorcycle owners and users since they will have to buy helmets not only for themselves but also for their passengers. Piquero said copies of the resolution will be submitted to Ontog and the regional and provincial directors of the Land Transportation Office next week after the secretariat comes out with the final text.