Motorcycle riders present issues in SPMJ forum
Fair regulation and non-discrimination were the two major issues that a large motorcycle riders group raised in a forum yesterday with officials government agencies mandated to regulate and monitor compliance of laws related to road users.
The two issues were among the many topics discussed during the second Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) Forum in Quezon City, last Tuesday at Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City.
Jobert Bolaños of the United Riders of the Philippines and the Motorcycle Rights Organizations, presented the many issues being faced by the motorcycle riders daily while on the on the road, most of them related to discrimination and misinterpretation of laws and ordinances.
For example, he said the law on regulating the use of helmets to protect riders is being overtaken by local ordinances ordering riders not to use helmets as a crime prevention measure.
He also cited the law allowing a back rider which has been modified by ordinances of some local government units which sets rules on who should be allowed as a legit back-rider.
“The ordinances have turned motorcycle users into instant suspects. This is simply undue profiling and outright discrimination as criminals use any mode of transportation and not just motorcycles,” the official statement presented by Bolaños said.
In the same forum Bolaños brought up the issue on the use of motorcycles as a public transport vehicles, or specifically referring to the group’s advocacy for the government to include the “motor taxis” in the Transport Network Companies (TNC)/Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) program.
During the same forum officials of government agencies related to motoring presented their role in making the roads safer. They were Land Transportation Office-Law Enforcement Services Director Francis Almora and Chief Superintendent Roberto Fajardo of the PNP-Highway Patrol Group. Also a speaker in the forum was Armie Reyes, president of the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association.
According to Almora, the LTO recognized that motorcycle is already part of our transport systems.
"We listen to motorcycle groups, we try to reconcile existing legislations on what is happening to the motorcycle riders on the road," Almora said.
He also reminded that motorcycle riders should fulfill their responsibilities, such as having their vehicles registered every year and secure a drivers license. He said that since the purchase of a motorcycle comes with a one-year LTO registration, some riders forget that they need to register the unit after the registration expires.
Fajardo explained sections of the law which refers to a common issue against riders – the difference between replacement and modification of parts.
Chief Superintendent Roberto Fajardo of the PNP-Highway Patrol Group discussed the enforcement of laws and guidelens on motorcycles and riders.
The PNP-HPG Chief added that they are regularly conducting seminars for riders and posting measures to address road safety for road users especially motorcycle riders.
"HPG is giving importance to the vulnerable road users in addressing the road safety including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders," he said.
Meanwhile, Bolaños said that talks are still ongoing between them and the lawmakers in considering their proposed measures to avoid discrimination on motorcycle riders while ensuring their safety on the road.
The SPMJ Forum is conducted quarterly as a project of the organization composed of motoring journalists.