Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas has suspended the implementation of the ordinance requiring all the motorcycle and bike riders to wear high visibility vests when traversing any road in the province pending its amendment.
In Executive Order 2022-011 dated June 17, Diclas said suspension of Ordinance 2022-302 will take effect until such time that amendments are made based on the result of a public consultation.
Implementation of the ordinance was halted due to criticisms from the public after the measure was posted on social media by the provincial board purposely for public information and dissemination.
In response to the comments made by netizens, the provincial board conducted an information education campaign at the Capitol where stakeholders expressed their concerns.
The Cordillera Motorcycle Riders Federation, Inc. said it recognized the need to have an ordinance that will help solve traffic accidents involving motorcycle riders, but it does not see the use of reflectorized vests as the prime solution to the problem.
The group proposed to adjust the time in using high visibility vests, preferably at nighttime only since it is reflectorized.
The group also called for the installation of more streetlights for drivers and riders to better see the road.
It also called on the strengthening of driver’s education so that there will be better and responsible drivers on the road.
Motorcycle dri-vers, riders, and bikers are already wearing high visibi-lity vests and clothes when traversing Halsema Highway in La Trinidad. – Ofelia C. Empian
