1,300 helmets readily available for 30,000+ motorcyclists

Officials of the provincial Department of Trade and Industry and the Land Transportation Office-Dumaguete District admitted yesterday there is a perceived lack of motorcycle helmets’ supply as of the latest inventory.

Motorcycle drivers and passengers, however, are urged not to wait until the last hour to purchase the prescribed standard headgear with the full implementation of the Mandatory Helmet law or Republic Act 10054 starting August 1.

DTI provincial director Javier Fortunato Jr. said motorcycle drivers and back-riders should start acquiring their crash helmets to avoid the rush.

LTO-Dumaguete chief Roland Ramos said that in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10054, the full implementation should be on July 28 but since the date falls on a Saturday, this will be moved to August 1.

The DTI met with dealers and suppliers of helmets in the city early this week, and as of the last count, only about 1,300 headgears passed the prescribed standard, Angeline Gonzalez of DTI said.

She said the agency came up with a list of stores and outlets that have or can offer motorcycle helmets that have the PS (Product Standards) or ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) marks as required by law.

Ramos warned that the lack of supply of prescribed standard helmets will not be accepted as an excuse from a motorcycle driver or back-rider arrested or fined during roadside inspection.

He said that of an estimated 20,000 motorcycle units plying the streets of Dumaguete, about 17,000 have been duly registered with the LTO.

Even if only 20 percent of the total motorcycle owners do not own helmets, at least 4,000 of the protective headgears are still required to meet the standards, Ramos said.

The DTI and LTO officials also said they were assured that helmet suppliers will be able to meet the requirements in the coming days.

In fact, retailers can produce more helmets in just a week. But sellers appeared to be cautious in pumping up their inventory for fear of a losing proposition, Fortunato said.

Ramos said only a court order can stop the LTO from enforcing the law.

Dumaguete City officials earlier petitioned for a temporary restraining order against the law’s implementation, saying it is impractical. The Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Negros Oriental was hearing the case.

Meanwhile, the DTI is calling on the motorcycle-riding public to visit the office and have their helmets inspected, particularly those that were bought before the crafting of the law.

Gonzalez said forms are available for the granting of an ICC, and visor sticker for those helmets that will pass the prescribed standard.*JFP

DAILY STAR: Negros Oriental

Larry

 

The DTI was going to issue ICC stickers for 1php and 100php admin charge, any news of this happening ?

Wi

 

So I have to fill out a form...

 

uhhh, sorry sir, no stock, you cum back next week...

 

Enforce the helmet law like it is enforced in Cebu...

There was an article a few months ago about the possibility of getting a "sticker" for helmets at the local DTI office which had been brought into the country or which were purchased prior to the issuance of sticker...Being new and naive I went to the DTI office. I have a American Bell racing helmet which I paid $750 USD for and figured it was better than the plastic helmets available here. I was told by the lady behind the counter, the implementation was a long way off and I was premature about trying to resolve the issued because she was not sure the law would be implement.

When I questioned the supply of helmets available she showed me a list of the the stores having helmets. I noted that there were not enough helmet available for all the "un-helmeted" riders when I was around town. Her list had over 800 helmets at the time...a real joke...she was sure that everything would work its way out over time....the Filipino approach to law and order...hahaha, and that I should wait until July 15th (the implementation date at the time) before I did something rash like buying a helmet or trying to get a sticker. She knew nothing about the sticker availabiity although it was from a published article.

When visiting Cebu, the helmet law seems to be enforced as far as wearing a helmet...the the definition is a little more loose on what is helmet there. If you go there you will see everything but a spaghetti strainer used as a helmet.

 

View attachment 8536 I'm ready....LOL

 

To be a motorcycle rider in Dumaguete City means our skulls and heads are more durable than any manufactured helmet out there.

 

Wow....the retailers will earn a lot for 30,000pcs helmet...i wonder how much is the kick back/ kidding or not!

 

The typical PH way of implementing a law. They want and forced every driver (incl. passengers) of a motorbike to wear an helmet, but only a few are available.
It's not surprisingly that many shop owners still hesitate to order and have a huge quantity of helmets on stock.
Personally, will wait and see what really will happen as from August 1. Till than everything is possible including a cancellation to implement the helmet law enforcement.
It's more fun in the PH anyway with or without helmet!!

 

1,300 helmets readily available for 30,000+ motorcyclistsReply to Thread Reply to Thr

Dave & Imp,

As of this week DTI has started issuing ICC stickers. I just had 3 of my helmets "registered" and issued stickers, today.

This law won't probably be implemented. It is kinda stupid, but I might as well have mine done, so IF ever they implement this, I get less headaches.

:-)