ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Aug. 8 -- The local government here has intensified the enforcement of protective helmet law covering "habal-habal" motorcycles.
Sr. Supt. Ramil Ramirez, chief of Ormoc City police office, said they are enforcing the protective helmet law for road safety including "habal-habal", a single motorcycle with extended seat, transporting passengers in steep terrain and narrow roads. “Habal-habals are not considered legal commercial transportation, but they are allowed to operate by tolerance so as not to deprive them of their livelihood. The intention of the law is to ensure safety of drivers,” Ramirez added.
On Monday, the city government here distributed 420 standard helmets in 21 identified motorcycle terminals, which received 20 helmets each.
Mayor Richard Gomez, who came up with the idea of shouldering the expenses for the protective helmets to help motorcycle drivers abide to the law, made the announcement two months ago. The city government allocated PHP420,000 for the procurement of 420 units.
Earlier, the mayor authorized the local police to impose a stricter implementation of the law among motorists to keep the riders safe.
The city officials also clarified that the use of helmets both by the drivers and passengers should be observed from starting point to their point of destination, and not just limited to city streets where policemen are visible.
The city government has since adopted national laws this year like the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 using speed radar guns, and the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 through the use of breathalyzers.
It can also be noted that the city has been the first in the region to implement these laws for habal-habal drivers in their area. (PNA)
