MMDA helmet resolution takes effect July 31

Motorcycle owners have no choice but to comply with the resolution passed by the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) requiring them to wear helmets bearing the number of their license plates. Angelito Vergel de Dios, executive director of the traffic operations center (TOC), said the MMDA will strictly implement the resolution of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) starting July 31. “Whether they like it or not, they have to follow the law," De Dios said. “It was recommended by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and we will implement it immediately after 15 days that it is published in newspapers of general circulation." He said MMDA officials led by MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando are unfazed by the threat of the Motorcycle Federation Philippines to campaign against the re-election bid in 2010 of mayors who approved the resolution. The group’s directors Atoy Sta. Cruz and Jojo Medina claimed they have two million members. “We are not affected at all. What are two million voters? We have a total of 80 million [people] in the country," De Dios said. “Another question: Is Chairman Fernando running for public office by 2010? Trillanes got 12 million in his senatorial bid," he added. Cruz and Medina, clad in black leather jacket, showed up at Fernando’s press conference Wednesday and assailed the MMC resolution. On June 22, MMC passed the “Dual Motorcycle and Helmet License Plate Numbers Policy." Under the policy, the license plate numbers on the helmet should be on a water-proof sticker permanently placed on both sides of the headgear and should be large enough to be seen by the public. Authorities came up with the measure in a bid to curb robberies, assassinations and other crimes committed by motorcycle-riding men in Metro Manila. Fernando said the resolution was passed by the MMC during its meeting on Thursday last week and would take effect 15 days after it is published in two newspapers of general circulation. He said those who attended the council meeting included Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, outgoing Pasig Mayor Vicente Eusebio, Sr., Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Marikina Vice Mayor Marion Andres representing Mayor Marides Fernando and representatives of the other metro mayors and of the PNP. The MMDA chairman also suggested to the Metro Manila Mayors to enact a common resolution stipulating that the failure to put the license plate numbers on the helmets of motorcycle owners and riders should be treated as a criminal offense and not as a mere traffic violation. "No plate on the helmet should carry with it stiffer penalties like impounding the motorcycle and appropriate fines and charges because there is a deliberate attempt by felons to conceal their identity," Fernando said. - GMANews.TV