Alven Marie A.

Timtim
Com22-B

Ignoring the helmet policy

Before Evelyn gets on her motorcycle, she quickly went inside her house and
came back with a helmet, then rides on her motorcycle to work.
It was unusual for her at first to use a helmet even though her work is just 15
minutes away from home, but eventually got used to it.
"Sukad namatay akong igsuon tungod kay nadisgrasya sa motor, bisag asa
mo adto, layo man o duol, mag gamit nagyud ko og helmet (Ever since the
death of my brother because of a motorcycle accident, everywhere I go, near
or far, I use helmet)," says Evelyn, a stay-out helper. For her, the use of
helmet prevents crucial danger that may happen if ever she encounters
future accidents.
Evelyn is one of the few residents in Dumaguete City that uses helmet
whenever they go out of their houses for safety purposes, while most of the
Dumagueteo's find wearing it, annoying and too much of a hassle.
It seems that the people of Dumaguete City are not aware about the helmet
law, and if they are, chose to be blinded by it, not knowing the risk they are
putting themselves into by simply not wearing a helmet.

Republic act no. 10054

On March 23, 2010 Republic Act No. 10054 was finally approved and took
effect 15 days later after publication. This act, also known as the "Motorcycle
Helmet Act of 2009" mandates all motorcycle riders to wear standard
protective motorcycle helmets while driving and providing penalties therefor.
According to the third section of this act, all motorcycle riders, including back
riders shall at all times wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while
driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway.
Penalties for not being able to follow this act includes payment of One
thousand five hundred pesos (Php 1,500.00) for first offense; Three thousand
pesos (Php 3,000.00) for the second offense; Five thousand pesos (Php
5,000.00) for the third offense; and Ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000.00) plus
confiscation of the driver's license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.
Dumagueteos' VS. Republic Act 10054
Aside from being called as the City of Gentle people, Dumaguete City is also
known as the "Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines." Families in the city
regardless of economic status has at least one motorcycle.
When RA 10054 was being implemented, the people of Dumaguete showed
their disapproval of the law. There were exchange of opinions regarding the
use of helmet while roaming the roads of the City, and agreeing to the reply

written by businessman stakeholder Florante "Tengi" Viscua to Senator

Bong Revilla who was the author, of the Mandatory Helmet Act of 2009,
which was published by Negros Chronicles.
The reply of Viscua said that the Motorcycle Philippines Federation which
support the current helmet law has missed the fact that in the provinces, the
motorcycle is not for pleasure, but a necessary companion to help transport
the family and the children to school, to work and to leisure trips which are
usually nearby areas.
Due to the public outcry and political intervention, the implementation of RA
10054 in Dumaguete City was suspended.
Bending and suspension of rules
According to Revillas reply to Viscua, published by Negros Chronicles;
helmets are life protectors considering that motorcycle related deaths are
usually caused by head injuries, thus the government simply wants people to
make sure that they protect themselves with helmets when riding
motorbikes.
While government officials in Dumaguete agree to what Revilla is trying to
say, Senior Inspector Philipedes Sillero said, We have to also consider the
clamor of the public.
According to Sillero, Dumaguete is not exempted from the law, but because
of public clamor, the city councilors made a debate about the law and came

into conclusion of suspending the implementation of it in the city. As of now,

suspended until tackled again, but not exempted, says Sillero.
Sillero said, In our city nga daghan og dalan, there is no need, para nako,
there is no need nga mag pakusog ka. And for that, you will not need helmet
kung mag pahinay lang ka.
Rate of motorcycle accidents