MARCH 29, 2012 DATE

NR # 2693B
REF. NO.

Probe on the growing motorcycle population in the country sought

A lawmaker today called for a congressional inquiry into the increasing road accidents involving motorcycles which have already reached the number of 3.4 million all over the country. Rep. Teddy Casio (Party-list, Bayan Muna), author of House Resolution 2123, also urged the House Committee on Transportation to investigate the alleged irregularities in the issuance of Restriction Code1 licenses to motorcycle drivers. Citing a date from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Casino said the number of motorcycles in the country have reached 3.4 million in 2010. The number of registered cars is 808,000 and public utility vehicles 1.7 million. It is time that government seriously considers the implications of a growing motorcycle population in the country, as well as address problems of corruption which continues to hamper the education and discipline of the motorcycle-riding community, Casino said. Casio said the use of motorcycles have been increasing exponentially in Asian countries because it is a cheaper and a gas-efficient alternative to four-wheeled vehicles, adding that a large number of the workforce relies on motorcycles to get to work. Casio said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) data from their Road Safety Unit show that accidents involving motorcycles have increased in Metro Manila from 12,656 accidents and 104 fatalities in 2008 to 16,208 accidents and 177 fatalities in 2010. Casio said it is in this light that the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) has expressed concern that motorcycle riders should probably have their own set or road regulations and licensing test given their large number and the slightly different nature of their vehicles. Government should dialogue with these motorcycles riders groups to help address their concerns. The indiscriminate issuance of R1 licenses to unqualified riders should be stopped, as well as the strict enforcement of laws to all drivers, regardless of vehicle, Casio said. Casio said when the MMDA started fully enforcing the use of motorcycle lanes in Commonwealth Avenue and the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard on October 24, 2011, requiring motorcycle riders to take the first lane from the sidewalk in Macapagal and the fourth lane in Commonwealth called blue lanes, they are now being charged with a P500 fine, besides being required to attend on-the-spot seminars. MRO Chairman Jobert Christian Bolanos is seeking a temporary restraining order on the enforcement of motorcycle lanes from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court citing the issues on safety, constitutionality and lack of consultation. The MRO also questioned the basis for the scheme, citing that it is supposedly based on an ordinance promulgated by Quezon City and Pasay. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the motorcycle lanes are not exclusive to

MARCH 29, 2012 DATE

NR # 2693B
REF. NO.

motorcycles and that other vehicles may occupy the lane in case other lanes are full, but motorcycles cannot leave their designated lane. In a position paper, Bolanos stated that it is near impossible imposing a 100 meter rule for the motorcycles to move out of their lane to cross four other lanes to get to a u-turn slot. Bolanos said it is also difficult and dangerous for them to maneuver and drive in the lane as PUVs, trucks and other vehicles cross their lane. Casio said the other ordinances against motorcycle users include the mandatory wearing of a vest with plate number in Marikina; prohibition of having a male backride in Manila with a penalty of a P3,000 fine or 30 days imprisonment and banning of full face helmets and balaclava (cloth headgear) also in Manila. Instead of having confusing and inconsistent local ordinances, Congress should pave the way for a national law that is responsive to the needs of motorcycle riders and the rights of pedestrians and other motorists, Casio said. (30) lvc