Preventing motorcycle crimes
SENATE Bill 1397 is now in the legislative grind as the “Motorcyle Crime Prevention Act of 2017.” The said bill was filed by Senator Richard Gordon to support “State Policy” under Article II, Section 5, of the 1987 Constitution which provides that “The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life and liberty and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.” It is declared policy to secure and safeguard the citizenry from the ruinous and extremely injurious effects of crimes and fatal accidents, particularly those caused by motorcycles/scooters.
Under the Gordon Bill, the LTO is mandated to issue bigger-sized plate numbers to be placed front and back, which must be reflectorized and readable within a distance of 12-15 meters. Plate numbers will have color schemes depending on the region, to easily identify registration. LTO must furnish every region and LGU a list of all newly purchased and 2nd hand motor/scooter sale and transfer. The penalty for a motorcycle being used in the commission of a crime or to ensure quick escape where the victim dies is “reclusion perpetua.” The same punishment will apply to the driver, back-rider, and conspirators, if any, when the result of the criminal act is death to victim/s.
In cases of stolen or lost plate numbers and motorcycles, the registered owner or authorized representative must immediately report the same within 3 calendar days. Under Sec. 7, perhaps a provision reviving the “plaka vests” could be incorporated to facilitate spotting any anomaly between the plate number and the drivers breathable “plaka vests” which must also bear identical numbers and colors. This will also help vs. the rise of stolen motorcycles when vests are required in operating a motorcycle. The LGU may be tapped for the issuances of ordinances in coordination with the LTO.
This is a step in the right direction with thousands upon thousands of Filipino families, annually, falling prey to the continued rise of predatory RIT crimes e.g., are 2010 – 1,819 victims; 2011 – 2,089 victims, 2013 — 3,000 victims, etc. Audit a 10-year graph, and the many unvarnished CCTV clips of the unflinching manner RIT crimes are committed, the best argument against bike enthusiasts’ sensitive over the “violation” of their free-spirited sub-culture.
PERSONAL: Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Cebu Catholic Television Network Chair Dodong and Diana Limchua! Mass was celebrated at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma officiating.