Motorcycle owners launch signature drive vs. LTO's AO
Owners of motorcycles here recently launched a signature campaign against the implementation of Land Transportation Office's (LTO) Administrative Order (AO) No. 2008-15 prescribing the rules and regulations for the use and operation of motorcycles on highways.
Signatures gathered will be sent to LTO regional director Gerard Camiña and the top hierarchy of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
Motorcycle owners contend that certain provisions in Administrative Order (AO) No. 2008-15 are repressive and are not applicable locally.
They specifically cited Section I, Paragraph "g" of the said AO stating that motorcycle riders should wear protective devices such as leather boots, and protective clothing such as heavy pants, heavy jackets and leather gloves. They said such requirement is not applicable in the local setting considering the tropical nature of our weather condition. Besides, they said it would be a financial burden on the part of motorcycle owners to buy such protective devices especially at this hard times.
Motorcycle owners also deem as repressive Section VI which states that "only one back rider shall be allowed..." and that "the motorcycle or scooter shall not carry cargo other than the saddle bags or luggage carriers specifically designed and approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)" since motorcycles are commonly used by its owners in business endeavors and as alternative to public utility vehicles because of the continued rise in fare rates.
One motorcycle owner even observe that motorcycles are used in going to workplaces or carry children to school.
They also contend that Section VII which provides for the wearing of standard helmet is unclear / vague since it does not clearly define what a standard helmet is.
Section I, Paragraph "h" of LTO AO No. 2008-15 only states that standard helmet should be approved by the DTI with PNS-UNECE 22 marking.
The motorcycle owners also consider as impairment of their vested rights Section VII, Paragraph 3 of the AO stating that "any modification of the original standard design of a motorcycle or scooter shall first be subject to the approval of LTO and the DTI."
"It is ridiculous, why will they prevent us from beautifying our motorcycles? It is our own property so we have the right on what to do with it," another motorcycle owner said.
"If it is unlawful to modify motorcycles then why do they allow modification of public utility jeepneys and other motor vehicles? It is unfair," he added.
The group also bewail the imposition of exorbitant fines/penalties under the said Administrative Order.
As provided in the AO those caught without helmets would be fined P1,500; motorcycles with excessive passengers and cargo would be fined P1,000. Those with defective accessories would be fined P1,000. While, modified motorcycles not approved by the DTI would be fined P2,000.
Meanwhile, motorcycle riders not wearing protective devices would be fined P500 for the first offense, P700 for the second offense and P1,000 plus revocation of drivers license for the third offense.
Melvin Velez of the LTO-6's Law Enforcement Division in an interview with GMA-Super Radyo DYSI said they are merely implementing the administrative order issued by their central office. He said it is for the safety of motorcycle riders.
Velez said the implementation of AO No. 2008-15 will begin on September 1, 2008.