2009 R - 183 - REQUESTING THE LTO TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN REQUIRING MOTORCYCLISTS TO WEAR PROTECTIVE HELMETS AS MANDATED BY LAW

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON DECEMBER 02, 2009 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez - - - City Councilor

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo- - - - “ “

Hon. Edwin J. Piano- - “ “

Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. - “ “

Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- - - “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - - - “ “

Hon. Jonathan G. Manalo- - “ “.

Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya- - - SK Federation President

ABSENT:

Hon. John Carlos G. delos Reyes- -City Councilor

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia - - “ “

RESOLUTION NO. 183

(Series of 2009)

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE (LTO) TO CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN REQUIRING MOTORCYCLISTS TO WEAR PROTECTIVE HELMETS AS MANDATED BY LAW AND IN THE LIGHT OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF FATALITIES IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN OLONGAPO CITY

WHEREAS, motorcycle and scooter units have proliferated not just in Olongapo City but nationwide as a mode of transportation due to the lower cost of operation and maintenance, rising cost of fuel, plus the fact that purchase and ownership has become more affordable and convenient;

WHEREAS, while majority of Olongapo City motorcycle and scooter riders wear protective helmets as mandated by LTO and practice the safe driving and operation of this type of vehicle, records of the Philippine National Police Traffic Enforcement Group and Office of Traffic Management & Public Safety (OTMPS) show that there has been nine (9) reported fatalities alone in 2009 wherein motorcycle drivers and passengers where involved in serious vehicular accidents resulting in death due to head injuries as most were not wearing helmets.

WHEREAS, the nine reported deaths were either young or inexperienced motor/scooter drivers who lost control or were hit by another motor vehicle. These nine lives could have contributed so much for their family and community. These deaths could have been prevented or minimized if the drivers and riders were wearing protective helmets, thus lessening the anguish and financial expenses of parents losing their children or loved ones to senseless and early deaths. The professional fee alone of Olongapo’s top neurosurgeon cost an average of P100,00.00 in performing an epidural/subdural brain operation as a result of brain trauma. The resulting brain damage is invaluable compared to a decent and safe helmet’s price which could be more or less than P1,000.00.

WHEREAS, surprisingly but alarming as well, is that during numerous interviews with motorcycle drivers and riders, the most common excuses why they refuse to wear helmets is that it ruins their hairstyles or they cannot be noticed by friends, or they are just making a short trip and do not want to be burdened wearing helmets. That is why it is ordinary to see motorcycle and scooter riders wearing their helmets on their elbows, carry no helmets at all and even allowing young children to ride without helmets.

WHEREAS, the Committee on Traffic Management & Transportation and OTMPS were successful in its own campaign, that for the first time, government personnel of the various city departments such as ESMO, OTMPS and national agencies like the PNP, using government motorcycles and scooters now wear helmets as role models to our constituents and demonstrating leadership by example.

WHEREAS, LTO Olongapo was effective in its wear seat-belt campaign by posting personnel in key thoroughfares in Rizal Avenue (Marikit Park), Sta. Rita Bridge, Kalaklan Bridge and Gordon Avenue. The LTO could launch a new joint campaign with OTMPS and scooter groups in wearing of helmets and instruction for safe driving of motorcycles and scooters and conduct daily operation, most especially at night when motorcycle accidents frequently happen. The LTO could warn first and remind motorcyclists to wear helmets, instead of automatically confiscating the drivers’ license, issuance of Temporary Operators Permit (TOP) ticket and payment of P1,700.00 penalty. Consistent reminder and enforcement plus the fear of penalty could develop the safe habit of wearing helmets. The LTO can later on confiscate the drivers’ license and issue TOP tickets to habitual violators.

WHEREAS, if Olongapo City reports a drop in motorcycle accidents/fatalities or “zero” death in 2010, then we have saved lives and made a difference to many families.

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of City Councilor Aquilino “Jong” Y. Cortez, Jr. with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present,

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled to request, as it is hereby requests, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct a campaign requiring motorcyclists to wear protective helmets as mandated by law and in the light of the increasing number of fatalities in motorcycle accidents in Olongapo City.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished to the Land Transportation Office, Olongapo; PNP-Traffic Enforcement Group, various motorcyle and scooter groups for their information and record.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, December 02, 2009.

CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

GINA GULANES-PEREZ JOHN CARLOS G. DELOS REYES

City Councilor City Councilor

(Absent)

RODEL S. CEREZO SARAH LUGERNA LIPUMANO-GARCIA

City Councilor City Councilor

(Absent)

EDWIN J. PIANO ANGELITO W. BALOY

City Councilor City Councilor

AQUILINO Y. CORTEZ, JR. ANSELMO A. AQUINO

City Councilor City Councilor

ELENA C. DABU JONATHAN G. MANALO

City Councilor City Councilor

CHEENEE F. HOYA

SK Federation President

ATTEST:

ELFLIDA S. SALMON

Council Secretary

APPROVED BY HIS HONOR, THE CITY MAYOR ON _____________________.

JAMES GORDON, JR.

City Mayor

ATTEST:

DELFIN A. JUICO, JR.

Secretary to the City Mayor