The Benguet provincial board will amend the ordinance that requires use of high visibility vest for motorists traversing in any roads within the province after its forum with concerned stakeholders.
In the information education campaign held on June 13 at the Capitol, representatives of the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, Highway Patrol Group-Cordillera and motorcycle and bikers groups presented their concerns to the provincial board.
Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis said they will consider amending the ordinance after hearing from those concerned.
Implementation of the ordinance was halted due to criticisms, especially from motorcycle and bike riders.
Ordinance 302 s. 2022, or the High Visibility Vest Ordinance requires all drivers and riders of motorcycle, tricycle, e-bike and bicycle to wear a high visibility vest while traveling along the national highway and in all provincial, municipal and barangay roads for 24 hours.
If they are carrying a backpack, it should have a reflector or a high visibility material.
Cordillera Motorcycle Riders Federation, Inc. president Robert Macagba said they recognize the need to have an ordinance that will help solve traffic accidents involving motorcycle riders, but use of reflectorized vests is not the prime solution.
Macagba said they proposed for the adjustment of time in using the high visibility vests, which should be worn at nighttime only since it is reflectorized.
He said continuous drivers’ education on road safety should be a priority of concerned offices. Macagba also echoed that “fixing” of driver’s license at the Land Transportation Office must be stopped. – Ofelia C. Empian
