LTO says every motorcycle rider must wear a helmet, PNP and LGUs can’t override
The enactment of Republic Act No. 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, signed in 2010 under then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, mandated the compulsory use of standard protective helmets for all motorcycle riders nationwide. Under the law, both drivers and passengers (commonly referred to in the Philippines as “back-riders”) are required to wear helmets specifically designed for motorcycle use whenever riding.
However, over the years, many local government units (LGUs), along with Philippine National Police (PNP) units, barangays, and even private subdivisions, have discouraged or penalized motorcycle riders for wearing helmets, citing security concerns linked to riding-in-tandem crimes, despite helmets being the most essential piece of protective gear for riders.
For the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the intent of the law is clear: it’s saving lives, and not the other way around. Helmet use is non-negotiable, regardless of positions taken by LGUs or law enforcement units.
In a brief moment with MotoPinas.com, LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao expressed concern over the increasing number of motorcycle riders, particularly in provincial areas, who ride on busy public roads and highways without helmets. He said the agency will intensify its information and education campaign on the importance of wearing motorcycle-specific helmets, working closely with LGUs to reinforce compliance and promote road safety.
The LTO Chief also said that he will task the agency’s law enforcement units to apprehend motorcycle riders violating RA 10054.
Motorcycles in road crash statistics
According to data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), motorcycles accounted for 22% of road crashes in Metro Manila between January and November 2024, or nearly 14,000 road crash incidents in just 11 months. Given the inherent vulnerability of motorcycle riders, it is essential that both drivers and passengers wear proper protective gear, including helmets and closed-toe shoes, regardless of whether they are traveling short distances, e.g., diyan lang naman ako, or long distances.
