Exempt rural, upland areas in motorcycle law – Davide

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Hilario Davide III believes that the Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act of 2015 should only be implemented in urban areas.

The governor said that rural or upland areas should be exempted from this law due to the lack of transportation in those communities.

The Land Transportation Office implemented last May 18 Republic Act 10666, or the Children's Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015.

The law stated that it shall be unlawful for any person to drive a motorcycle with a child on board on public roads where there is heavy volume of vehicles, there is a high density of fast moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 50 kilometers per hour (KPH) is imposed.

However, those children who can reach their feet on the foot peg and wrap their arms around the driver’s waist are exempted to this law.

“I favor that law. It is just really important to ensure the security and safety especially sa toddlers.  Katong dili kaabot ug mga mugbo og tiil, we have the need to secure them,” said Davide.

Since motorcycles-for-hire, commonly known as “habal-habal,” is the primary means of transportation in mountain barangays especially in provinces, this law may impede the education of the school children in these areas.

Hence, areas unreachable by transportation should be an exception to this law.

“What the government and other local government units can do is maybe provide school buses or mini buses for school children kay para nako importante ang safety. Mas maayo nga safe sila kay most of the accidents are caused by motorcycles,” Davide suggested.

Davide stated that it is crucial to guarantee the safety of the children. — Diana Rose Ompad and Dulcelyn Insong (FREEMAN)