Senator Revilla files bill requiring the use of helmets for bikers

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. on Monday filed the Mandatory Helmet Bill in his bid to lessen street accidents involving persons who continuously disregard the importance of helmets.

During a radio interview, Revilla said he filed the bill to prevent the further ballooning of motorcycle-related accidents and ensure that motorcycle riders will be obliged to wear helmets.

"With this (bill) masisiguro natin na isusuot nila ang helmet. Ang dami ng na aaksidente at namamatay dahil sa hindi nila pagsuot ng helmet," Revill said.

According to Revilla, the bill is very timely because many Filipinos are starting to purchase motorbikes due to the hike of petroleum prices in the world market.

Revilla said, while people are thinking of ways to save money, they should prioritize their safety.

Under the Mandatory Helmet Bill, kids below seven years old will be prohibited to ride motorbikes.

He added that he also wants to ban pregnant women from riding two-wheeled vehicles.

Revilla said, at present, our country does not have any legislation promoting the stricter implementation of helmets use. Due to this, he has been conducting rounds in the different parts of the country to promote the bill.

"Actually nag-iikot na tayo sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa. We're really campaigning for this dahil talagang hinihiling ng mga bikers associations tulad Motor Cycle Federation of the Philippines na tulungan sila with this campaign pa ma-isalba ‘yung mga matitigas ang ulo," Revilla said.

He also appealed to the police to set a good example by showing bike riders that they are adhering to the policy.

“Pati kapulisan natin... dapat mag-set ng good example mahiya naman kayo. Dapat ipakita niyo na tayo mismong nag-papatupad ng batas ay maging magandang ehemplo," Revilla said.

Revilla said, under the bill, the license of the offenders will be confiscated and they will be subject to pay the fines which would range from P2,000 to P20,000.

Revilla said the bill is now under the Senate Committee on Public Services of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.