The city legislature is going to vote over the ordinance prohibiting the use of full-face helmet in the City Poblacion of Puerto Princesa after the third and final public hearing was done.
Led by the Committee on Transportation and attended by several motorcycle riding communities as well as civilian riders, the last hearing overwhelmingly heard the riding communities’ firm stand against the proposed ordinance.
They insisted that it put riders’ safety at risk and that it is a rider’s right to use the helmet that makes them feel the safest. “Ang sigaw ng Puerto Princesa privilege namin ang magsuot [ng helmet],” said a member of the riding community.
“Kung ako ang masusunod, gusto ko talaga dahil yung instinct ko bilang dating pulis, mas ano ko talaga ang prevention… yung riding in tandem saka aksidente, hindi natin pwede ipagparehas. Kung impact ang pag-uusapan natin, napakalaki ng impact ng riding in tandem sa ating economy, sa ating sitwasyon, sa peace and order kung ikukumpara mo sa traffic [accident]. Ang traffic accident meron araw araw eh,” Committee on Transportation Chairman Rolando Amurao said in an interview.
Despite the objection, the matter will be brought to the city council and will be decided upon on Monday, June 17 at the Plenary Session at the New City Hall.