By
Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) – The Land Transportation Office-9 implemented the full provision of
Republic Act 10054 or the Helmet Act of 2010 effective January 1 after the City
Council failed to submit an ordinance mandating motorists to use “J Type” or
open-faced helmets only in the city.
Mr.
Noel Noche, Officer in Charge of LTO-Zamboanga City District Office said the
city government did not beat the deadline given to them for their request.
“The
city council was given up to December 31, 2012 to come up with an ordinance for
the basis for our implementation of RA 10054 in response to their request for
the use of “J Type” helmets within the city. However, we have not received any,
thus, we are implementing the full provisions of the law, allowing motorists to
use full-faced helmets”, Noche said.
It can
be recalled that the City Council has asked LTO to only allow the use of open
–faced helmets to help curb shooting incidents perpetrated mostly by
motorcycle-riding suspects using full-faced helmets.
LTO-9
Regional Director Atty. Aminola Abaton, in one of the City Peace and Order
Council meetings last year, said they can entertain the request of the city
government provided they submit an ordinance to his office.
Noche,
however, reminded the public that helmets should conform to the standards
required by the law.
“The
helmets should meet the quality standard our law requires. The helmets should
also have the International Compliance Certificate (ICC) sticker”, he pointed.
The
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released list of certified and
accredited brands of helmets in accordance with RA 10054. DTI is also issuing
ICC stickers for older standard helmets, and has coordinated with dealers to
only sell standard helmets.
Noche
said LTO will start enforcing the law on January 3.