Biker's world

OFFICIAL AND MOST CURRENT POSITION STATEMENT AGAINST THE MC LANE:

2013-05-30T22:39:00.000+08:00

(A REWRITE OF MY ORIGINAL LETTER: http://bikerpinoy.blogspot.com/2011/11/re-write-open-letter-to-all-people-in.html)

THIS LETTER WILL BE SENT TO ABAYA, DOTC... ROXAS, DILG... ROSALES, CHR AND THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT...

COPIES WILL ALSO BE SENT TO WRITERS, MEDIA PERSONALITIES, SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN AND ANYBODY WHO WISH TO USE THIS POSITION STATEMENT...

Please be ready for a long read...

___________________________________________________________________________

To whom it may concern, (Or to whoever cares to listen)

We would like to formally submit our position paper on the current implementation of the “Motorcycle Lanes” in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City, EDSA and now in C5 Avenue.

Let us start by saying that we applaud the intentions of MMDA and the cities involved in making motorcycling safer. And with these intentions, we know that the motorcyclists are in the thoughts and concerns of the government. We have nothing to say, but thank you for that aspect.

The following observations, experiences, facts and suggestions may appear offensive or defensive in nature so we implore upon you to keep an open mind without it being taken the wrong way.

Initial Statement:

The design and implementation of the “Motorcycle Lanes” have raised serious questions as to how it came about, what studies were made and who made those recommendations. We ask this because we want to know the basis of the design and the qualifications of the recommending party on the use and operation of a motorcycle. And with that said, we want to know if these proponents understand the safety aspect surrounding it’s use. We ask this to better understand where they are coming from and hopefully bridge the gaps between their intent and our fears. However, and with all due respect, the office of MMDA chairman has been unresponsive and has been known to mislead others by saying that they are open to discussion yet, has not entertained us in anyway. And our cries and hopes of getting an audience with him was either misplaced or ignored.

We also wish to pinpoint some major concerns as to the noticeable treatment of motorcycle riders and how they are prime targets for most enforcement units making them feel segregated and treated as a minority rather than an equally privileged road user. And with the recent setup of the MC lane on C5, we have been denied access from the over passes and under passes in spite the fact that we pay the same road tax as everybody else which in turn, adds to the segregation of riders and the obvious discrimination being pushed upon us.

And more importantly, we wish to address the current dangers that we face while on the “Motorcycle Lane” and how it all boils down to “RISK”. As riders, we understand and accept the risks involved. That is where it all starts. To address that risk, a rider must be ready to take the necessary steps to avoid losing that margin between safety and unnecessary risk that may lead into an accident. That is why, careful and absolute collaboration with all the agencies concerned is incremental in addressing the problem. Band aid solutions only offer momentary results, but it will not solve the issue in it’s entirety.

Why Motorcycles:

As far as motorcycle goes, the main reasons why people are leaning towards them can be attributed to these aspects:

    Economy – Motorcycles are cheap and is a cost effective mode of transportation compared to public transport.
    Ease of use – The operation of a motorcycle, particularly scooters and underbones have been made or designed in such a way that it becomes simple and easy for almost anybody.
    Getting from point A to point B – The time spent by a motorcycle has been cut drastically that they are almost impervious to traffic. This gives the rider more time to spend doing something more important rather than wasting it while being stuck in traffic.
    Ability to maneuver and avoid obstacles – Because of the size and maneuverability of motorcycles, they have the ability to avoid obstructions, obstacles and contact with debris, pedestrians and other vehicles that may cause an accident. That maneuverability also allows them to filter through and ease the congestion of traveling vehicles in traffic.
    Environment – The emissions and carbon footprint left by motorcycles is, in concept, smaller than the other vehicles It uses less fuel and cut’s down the congestion that leads to more harmful air pollution.

With the same “why” question and because of the points stated, the growth of the motorcycling population has blown to immense proportions that it has been a great challenge to keep up with. And with that growth, and due to the underlying factors that surround the risk of being a motorcycle rider, accidents will rise with that growth as people will find themselves in situations that will lead into mishaps.

Furthermore, in spite these advantages, the very reason stated with #4 is also the primary reason why it is the tool of choice for criminals. This is a sad fact for all riders and we overwhelmingly feel the burden and pressure from law and traffic enforcement by the way we are treated on the road. Not to mention the way other road users regard us.

In that regard, we are subject to undue profiling because of those bad elements who choose to perpetrate crimes with the use of these machines. However, and let me emphasize, it is not the fault of the motorcycle, rather, it is the fault of the person who operates it. So my question is, why do we, as motorcycle users, have to carry the burden of these crimes that we are innocent of? Why are we treated with such disrespect that we are placed under assumption of evil and crime? What happened to being “innocent until proven guilty” and the “equal protection of the laws” as stated in the Bill of Rights? The clear stranglehold being applied upon us has been attributed to crime time and again. We are not criminals. We should not bear the problems associated with criminals. Instead, let us help our enforcement deal with them rather than being treated as victims of circumstance.

Risk:

Motorcycles need to have the ability to move about to avoid any obstacles and contact with other vehicles or objects. If you enclose or restrict that ability, that eliminates the capacity of movement making their chances of getting through the possible dangers smaller.

Just from the start of the implementation of the “motorcycle lane”, there has been a number recorded motorcycle accidents within the designated lane or trying to get to it for fear of being tagged with a violation. As of this writing, there are already more accidents that have been recorded by witness accounts on www.motorcyclephilippines.com and on Facebook. A good number of these accidents are being ignored or covered up by MMDA and have only been reporting the ones that are documented by media. This raises more questions and concerns.

We also have documented numerous accounts of near collisions and brushes with other vehicles that enter or stop in the lane without fear or remorse of hitting a motorcycle or vice versa within the designated lane.

Confining the motorcycle in the designated lane has increased the risk involved by ten fold. Let me cite the reasons why:

1    The lane is supposedly shared with private vehicles. That is already the case even before the lane was implemented. Putting them in a single lane with other vehicles only absorbs their chances of creating a safety margin between themselves and other vehicles, pedestrians and obstructions by more than 75% the prescribed minimum if other vehicles are allowed into that confined space. Removing that confinement gives back that margin of safety as they can move about whenever another vehicle comes too close or a pedestrian or obstruction comes in their way.
2    We know that buses, jeeps and other public utility vehicles must be confined within the yellow lane. However, and as seen on photographs and videos taken before and after the implementation, they have been moving to, beyond and across the lane freely and with hardly any apprehension from the enforcement. That lack of control over the public utility vehicles is a major risk that can mean limb and worse, life.
3    Imposing a 200 meter rule for the motorcycles to move out of their lane to cross 4 other lanes to get to a u-turn slot is near impossible. It can only happen when there are hardly any other vehicles along the road or if the rider attempts an extremely dangerous maneuver across the highway. 200 meters is only 3-4 posts away and it is an extremely short distance to even attempt to cross safely with the other vehicles on the road. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the minimum requirement for a vehicle to exit out of 3 or more lanes to an off ramp or to a turn is to move outward at least 300 meters before the intended exit.
4    The proposed and executed plan of putting barricades to confine the PUV's on their lanes or placing them anywhere in the road for that matter is equally risky and dangerous as a slight move can mean imminent contact between the barrier and the motorcycle or other vehicles. And since the mishap can turn into an immediate obstruction to the oncoming vehicles, they are also prone to getting involved if they don't stop in time. Then there’s the other vehicles coming from behind that may cause a separate collision altogether. Unless the lane is made wide enough that there is a margin of safety for both sides without losing the ability to pass other vehicles, then this idea is not advisable. The same applies to tire stops or any type of barrier that restricts the vehicles from crossing it in case of an emergency.
5    The lack of signage, road markings and road preparation should have been prioritized before the implementation of the “Motorcycle lane”. It should have not started after it’s initial dry run as it only proves the lack or preparation and study made for it’s implementation. Not to mention the lack of preparation on the side of Macapagal and now, on C5 where pictures and videos before and after the implementation started shows dirt, pebbles, rocks, puddles, potholes, barriers, parked vehicles, terminals and what not are in the way of the “Motorcycle Lane”. This is again, considered as obstructions that may cause accidents and tremendous amounts of risk for the motorcycle riders.
6    Most riders on the road today have admitted to not knowing the rules and regulations for traffic and has even less knowledge in the proper operation of motorcycles. Based on scientific, practical and safety studies made by AMA and MSF, a motorcycle is not safe if they ride side by side especially if the lane confines them within a limited space. With the lack of knowledge and education for riders, this makes it highly risky and with the volume of riders, even more riskier.

In that light, allow me to quote Steve Guderian of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority & Motorcycle Safety Consulting and author of “Lane Sharing, A Global Solution for Motorcycle Safety”.

Lane-sharing is a safety technique that can positively affect all riders regardless of the type of motorcycle ridden or the riding style applied. This makes outreach or education programs easier to disseminate to the riding community. Furthermore, lane-sharing will likely have strong support within the riding community.

It is important to note that like all driving actions it is possible to lane-share in an unsafe manner. It is not the purpose of this paper to discuss these actions or how to safely lane share. These actions can be addressed in a program or study that evaluates lane-sharing as a safety-countermeasure. It is also important to note that any governmental entity that evaluates lane-sharing as a safety measure can also enact restrictions or permissions, and conduct a safety campaign to promote lane-sharing. Additionally, the author realizes this paper leaves many questions unanswered and raises additional questions. These unanswered questions are best discussed in a forum or meeting on lane-sharing.

Implications:

With risk, comes implications. It the world of vehicles, this can vary from a simple fender-bender to a fatal accident that can cause one to lose his/her life. These implications must be weighed out carefully and extensively to find a common ground where risk is at it’s minimum and safety at it’s maximum capacity. All conditions which may include, but is not limited to rider/driver/pedestrian behavior, discipline, infrastructure, obstruction and what not must be discussed by all possible stakeholders and not just one body or a few proponents. More so, experts must be called in to provide very crucial input to ensure the best consensus.

The recent implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane” has disregarded some major implications based on it’s design and unclear rules. Nevertheless, it is not too late to bring this idea back to the table in order for us to figure out what is best before taking any action or implementation.

Part of the implications that we would like to address is the fact that not all motor vehicle operators, private and public, has been given enough briefing on the rules surrounding the “Motorcycle Lane”. It is, but fair to all road users that they understand and know what they can and cannot do around this lane.

So far, and with all due respect, this was not carried out to be even near satisfaction. All we see are riders being flagged down and told what they have to do while other vehicles are hardly being told anything.

With the introduction of the said “Motorcycle Lane” and in the lines of equality, it should have also been top priority to reinforce the existing laws and regulations for ALL vehicles and not just motorcycles.

This treatment leaves a sour taste and implies prejudice towards motorcycle users yet again.

Legislative Requirements:

Based on public statements, we understand that this was made out of an ordinance and acts approved or promulgated by Quezon City, Pasay and the Metro Manila Mayor's Council or MMMC. We would like to see the said ordinance and acts and would like to have this published so that everybody is aware of the basis of the “Motorcycle Lane”

we do have a few questions regarding the two roads being used as the testing grounds for the dedicated lanes:

According to the Quezon City DPOS office, Commonwealth Avenue has been declared as a National Road and it’s jurisdiction and policy making body should be with the LTO and/or DOTC being the agency with the mandate and authority to create and implement new traffic, road and vehicular laws for everything under the National level. Ordinances are not supposed to supersede National Law, is that right?

Given that Quezon City still has the right to dictate the traffic law on Commonwealth Avenue or any agency in this case, who creates the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the ordinance or act? As mentioned on the start of this paper, it will give us a clear understanding of the basis and where the proponents are coming from.

Every piece of legislation, ruling or policy being implemented must have a corresponding "Implementing Rules and Regulations", is that right? Where is the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the “Motorcycle Lane” so that we may clearly understand the rules and restrictions of it’s use. However, we have yet to see the official, signed and published version of the IRR which is still elusive of our dissemination.

Was there a public hearing for the “Motorcycle Lane” prior to its implementation? If so, who were present, invited and expected to be part of the hearing? The riding public is not made out of one or a few organization/s, one or a few group/s, one or a few manufacturer/s, or a few known motorcycle personalities should it? As far as we understand, the general riding public, should have been given an invite to this public hearing on the implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane” as we are all stake holders by right.

Why wasn’t the rules for all public and private vehicles reinforced during the announcement of the “Motorcycle Lane”? This would have been more ideal because, it would prepare the public vehicle sector and it would serve as their warning that any public utility vehicle crossing the yellow lane will be apprehended accordingly. This way, the implementing body can also show everybody that there are rules and regulations for all vehicles and not just motorcycles. Again, this causes an ill feeling of prejudice against motorcycle users. In fact, it should be reinforced and enforced on a daily basis and not just for the purpose of the implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane”.
We strongly believe that strict implementation of the existing laws, if carried out accordingly, is enough to keep everybody in check and would promote discipline amongst all road users. However, it is evident that there are challenges in carrying out the existing laws to the point that a vast number of road users get away with simple to grave violations of the traffic laws. That being the case, any additional law, regulation or implementation will meet numerous challenges and prevent it’s success simply because the basic and existing laws cannot be carried out properly and extensively. What made them think that a new law can solve all the problems on the road? This is a prime example of re-inventing the wheel so to speak.

And recently, the Quezon City RTC has granted us the status of Judicial Dispute Resolution after the Mediation Board declared that we have a case against the MC Lane. Is it legally possible for the MMDA to implement and impose another lane while the case is pending in court?

With that said, we want to be sure that we all share the equal protection of the laws, we are not unduly profiled, we are not being treated with prejudice and discrimination.

The lack of existing law reinforcement creates a very vague picture of the law and is prone to subjective apprehensions which we all feel and as a matter of fact, very abundant. Sadly, a number of enforcers interprets the law in such a way that he does not even know the difference between apprehending a motorcycle avoiding a vehicle that cuts across his designated lane and apprehending the vehicle for cutting the path of the motorcycle. With the existing laws in place and being enforced diligently, everybody will be on the same page and nobody will cry foul as the existing laws are made to be just, simple and without prejudice towards anybody.

Root Cause Analysis:

There are three very important components of the RCA that was done recently. This addresses the issues of discipline accidents and crime. However, what has been happening is, we pass the burden and the restrictions on the end users as if they are the ones being punished for the lack thereof. These aspects are:

    Licensing – We all know that operating a vehicle on the road is a privilege. With that privilege, comes great responsibility. That responsibility should be properly screened and driven into the heads of each applicant. The standard procedure as mandated by law undergo written and practical tests before an individual passes for a license. This is no longer being practiced diligently. Applying stricter licensing measures will weed out the non-trained and non-educated rider and driver. Thus allowing the government the much needed control over the road users and their riding/driving habits.
    Education – The reason why a lot of people don't follow the traffic law is because they don't know what they are. Prior to licensing, everybody should undergo traffic law training so that they are made aware of the rules of the road. Riding and driving certification should be made more stringent when applying for a license. Mandating may be a tad too harsh, but for those who have gone through driving and riding school, are automatically considered for licenses while those who have not taken any education courses on riding or driving, should pass the written and practical exams made for licensing. Part of education should be the promotion of safe, defensive and advanced riding/driving methods that will help in empowering every road user so that they take the necessary precautions and make the best decisions when encountering an emergency on the road.
    Enforcement – This is crucial to the maintenance of discipline on the road. Visibility is not enough. Each enforcer should be diligent and dedicated to catching would be violators in order to maintain order and discipline on the streets. However, if the enforcer themselves break the very law they enforce, it sends a negative message to the public. They should lead by example while they promote safety, discipline and peaceful use of the roads. If there are strict implications to those who violate the law, those enforcing it should be given higher penalties and more effective punishment methods to ensure that the watchers of the road are free from corruption.

Having all three aspects work together is enough to solve the problems of the street. When the public sees how well the process is being followed, they will fall into their rightful place.

This hits the tip of the iceberg, the core and the root cause of the problem altogether. And once it is done, we will see better roads and road users.

Closing Statement:

We humbly ask your kind office, being the one in charge of the implementers of the “Motorcycle Lane” to help us in getting them to reconsider this plan and bring it back to the table before people get hurt or worse, before people lose their lives. This experiment deals with human life and limb. Let us not wait until the road users relax and get into their comfort zone again that may lead into a mishap on the “Motorcycle Lane”. There is just too much risk involved. We cannot just sit and watch for this experiment to work or fail as each life, whether big or small, is worth more than any amount or any projects success or failure. Currently, the accidents happening are showing more of what we fear and the people directly involved are getting more impatient, scared, emotional and rowdy. We do not want them to take on the streets in protest.

We would also like to be informed, considered and take part in the policy building, future programs, implementation of projects and other endeavors so that we can provide the additional, if not, necessary input from “real” everyday riders. There is a huge difference between your hobbyists, Sunday riders and your working class, “daily” riders. Each opinion, suggestion and even every contradiction can mean the world of difference between experimenting with lives and the effectiveness of these programs to create a better riding/driving experience for all motorists and pedestrians. We should all work together and not work against each other and in order to do that, we should make sure that everybody is given a fair chance to be heard and be properly represented.

We have bumped heads with our constituents between waiting on them to heed to our cries and calls, taking it on the streets in protest and/or addressing the issue legally, which we regretfully have decided on doing. And in the process, we have beaten ourselves up for filing the case against the “Motorcycle Lane’s” implementation, but it was necessary as we are getting nowhere in our attempts to bridge the gaps and protect the rights of everybody concerned. Yet, in spite the case pending in court, here we are, facing a doubly hazardous MC Lane on C5 Avenue which puts us around parked vehicles waiting to exit the establishments lining C5, those who wish to enter them, the raised manholes and other road alterations that are not only dangerous to motorcycles, they may cause us to crash and loose life or limb on them. We can name a few more issues, but we would only be repeating ourselves.

Issues and problems can be given solutions that works both ways and with minimal resistance from the people. We can offer our research and capacity to gather much needed opinion and feedback from the riding public and come up with a bucket load of suggestions that can help us build the ideal scenario that will be more acceptable for everybody concerned.

We would also like to state that before the departments take on any organization’s word that they represent the whole community, please have them think again. There are countless people here who oppose this idea because of the obvious dangers that can be seen and felt by the very riders who use these roads daily.

We wish that the departments responsible for these programs to give respect to every body's point of view, opinion and experience when it comes to the real dangers of the road. We wish for the implementing agency to listen, ask and show respect to ALL riders and not just the people who say or claim that they represent the entire community. We wish that we all come to terms with the real problems and dangers that surround our community. We wish that the departments responsible lead us in being a united community and not divide us from the rest of the road users. We wish we are just saying this out of emotion. Sad to say that we are not. We wish that we are only basing this on mere hearsay. We are distraught to say that we are not.

And our message to the people who say this is better for everybody concerned, their opinion is only based on their lack of riding experience with the REAL dangers of the roads. We cant say that we blame them for what they do not know and what they do not see from within the eyes of the riders who ply these roads daily. We just hope that someday, we all come to terms that we all share the road and we all have to ride and drive together inevitably.

We want to avoid all unnecessary conflict and prevent undue resistance from either side that can disrupt and affect the progress of all safety initiatives by the government and the private sector. We also want to let it be known that we, with due respect to the parties concerned, wanted to avoid legal action as a result of our rights being strangled and our safety being risked.

Please hear the voices of the people who the people in authority have sworn to serve.

Thank you and God Bless us all.

Jobert Christian G. Bolanos
Motorcycle Rights Organization
Motorcycle Advocates of the Philippines
www.motorcyclephilippines.com

2013 MRO's EVENT PARTICIPATION ANNOUNCEMENT:

2013-02-03T13:44:00.000+08:00

Last years 2W event came with many challenges, support issues, groups blatantly displaying disrespect, attacks from others who sought to derail the spirit of what DARS, DOTC and it's partners wanted to give to the riders of the country...

So let me give out a little history lesson as to how MRO became a participant in this event...

Sometime last year, MRO has been making noise especially when it comes to the rights of the riders... We went to places that suggested ordinances aimed at branding riders as criminals, pushing onto our shoulders, the burden of our enforcement's shortcomings... And in this path, we collaborated with several groups that we strongly believed that would help us into the path of equality and fair treatment... We also went against nationwide legislation that again, took it's toll on our constitutional rights and we did so maintaining a level of diplomacy that earned MRO the trust of MDPPA and other groups who has been in the forefront of activities that both empower and support the riders of our nation...

In this relationship, MDPPA sought to bring MRO with them in bigger projects... One such project is the FAMI Road Safety Symposium which we became guests of...

Prior to this, the Motorcycle Riders Course or MRC, headed by the only Filipino to ever earn the coveted Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructors badge, Mr. Jake Swann, helped us get into projects like the Road Safety Board which was also a project of DOTC and Asec. Dante Lantin...

Our participation in both activities has given MRO the opportunity to step up to the plate and be part of yet, another major project for DOTC... And this was the 2W Relay project of 2012...

Before this, MRO was branded as an activist group because of the noise that we make each time bad legislation is created and pushed down our throats... But with perseverance and integrity on how we do things, they slowly realized that we do not block traffic when we go out on the street because we only do motorcades and not rallies like what others keep saying, we do not use harsh or degrading words or statements against the departments we try to reach out to and we don't throw accusations and statements that has no proof or backing... That we do whatever it takes to exhaust as much effort as we can, but we do not close our doors on the possibility that we MARCH OUT and bring our fight to the streets ONLY WHEN PUSHED TOO FAR...

We pushed and we pushed and we pushed and WE GOT PUSHED OURSELVES... Earning small victories and being pushed back with losses as we go along... Yet, we stood our ground and just kept on pushing...

So here we are, post event from last year's 2W relay and the BILOG event...

I can still feel the joy and the proud moment when I saw everybody braving the heat and pounding their fists as we united under one banner and Called to Action, towards Unity, Safety and EQUALITY...

So allow me to tell you about MRO's role in the project...

MRO was called in initially to be a contributor/participant by helping DOTC come up with the plan for the project... And on the first couple of meetings, it was a market place of ideas... Later on, MRO became the program developer and we laid out the plan, platform, route, schedule, program and we helped in drafting the wish list, letters to other agencies and so forth... Thanks to the ideas shared by the other groups and Asec Lantin himself, we found the best solution that we could launch in such a short amount of time...

And throughout the event, MRO was hard at work with coordination, planning and sadly, a whole lot of DAMAGE CONTROL... However, when the event on November 18 unfolded, all of that was laid to rest and the hardships, joys, intrigues, acknowledgements, pain, happiness, regrets, camaraderie among other things became so much worth it... And this is not because of what we did... Rather, it was because of what ALL RIDERS DID TOGETHER...

This year, DOTC has called upon MRO again to be on the batting plate and to create the layout for this years 2W program... We have decided on three things...

1. We will work with the program only if, those who have been involved in the "CONTINGENCY FUND" scandal is asked to excuse themselves out of the program...

2. That we follow the program by the letter and allow full and total TRANSPARENCY within the group and to the public as to what is happening and what is going to happen...

3. No private group, organization, club name or logo shall be put on any of the BILLING, POSTERS, BANNERS, FLYERS, TARPS, GIVEAWAYS, STICKERS as we shall only be acknowledged as PARTICIPANTS in the project...

Albeit being the group responsible for the program's development, schedule, route planning, coordination with other riders from the different areas that this years program will pass through and the initial drafter of letters and requests to DOTC's partner agencies, we will be more than happy to take our name out of the program materials... Why, BECAUSE AS WE SAID LAST YEAR, AND WE SAY IT AGAIN THIS YEAR, THIS IS FOR THE RIDERS AND NOT FOR US...

So unless somebody can come up with a better plan for the riders benefit, we hold ourselves to that commitment...

However, We are also adamant in keeping to this promise that if any of the three conditions above are set aside because one or several groups don't approve, then MRO will gladly relieve itself of the program and let them handle everything...

And in spite of already giving out the initial project route and plan, we will gladly give that up as our contribution to the project as we made a promise to be in the service of the riders and not ourselves... That our promise and commitment was first made for the community and not ourselves... That we intend to work for the project given that, we are to provide JUST AND FAIR perks and royalties for the MAIN program participants, including the suppliers, sub contractors, sponsors, donors and logistics team who is as crucial as the MAIN participants AND NOBODY ELSE...

THAT ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN BECOMING PART OF THE PROGRAM SHALL BE GIVEN A FAIR AND EQUAL CHANCE TO BE INVOLVED... AND THAT IS OUR ASSURANCE TO ALL OF YOU FROM MRO OR WE WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS YEARS 2W RUN...

That is our solemn promise and that will all be decided on Tuesday's meeting with DOTC and the other participants of this year's program...

And with that said, we wish to thank DOTC, most especially Asec Lantin for giving us the opportunity, LTO, LTFRB, DEPED, REDCROSS, PNP, DPWH, TOLLWAY GROUPS, MDPPA, MDAP, A4, MX and all the rest for working with us last year and who is still there for this year...

Thank you and a good day to all...

Can we?!?

2013-02-01T05:40:00.002+08:00

Hey! This is just a parody... Or is it?!?

I'm pretty sure somebody thought of something like this already... Let me see if I can give it a try...

And what if we actually lobby it?

Stop voting for STUPID people...

See it to appreciate!!!

AN ACT MANDATING ALL LAWS BEING PROPOSED TO BE FAIR, JUST AND CONSTITUTIONALLY SOUND. ANY PROPOSED LAW IN VIOLATION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSIDERED ILLEGAL AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT...

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - The Anti-STUPID LEGISLATION Act of the Philippines

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure and safeguard its citizenry, particularly the general public affected by such laws filed under any legislative office. That the equal protection from the laws be upheld in the highest regard so that all legislators are compelled to create legislation that is made of quality and not stupidity. To promote constitutional awareness in the creation of new laws. And to prevent the redundancy of laws already approved and implemented. Towards this end, it shall pursue a more proactive and preventive approach to secure the integrity of our laws and prevent stupid people from passing any law that is not thought of properly...

SEC. 3. Mandatory provisions of this act. - All proposed laws shall be considered for approval until it is declared in violation of an existing law thereof. Once a court of law issues it's resolution declaring the invalidity of the said law, the immediate removal of the author legislator and his/her co-authors/sponsors from office and shall be stripped of all their benefits and remaining bonuses thereof.

SEC. 4. Exemption. - No public official is exempted from this law...

SEC. 5. Removal of separibility. - All disclaimers under all existing, pending and proposed laws that grant the author legislator and co-authors/sponsors immunity from being persecuted under this act is hereby canceled...

SEC. 6. Implementation. - The Department of Justice (DOJ), the Commission of Human Rights and the Department of Interior and Local Government is mandated by this Act to issue guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

Upon the effectivity of this Act, only those quality legislation shall be signed into law and implemented provided that all legislative requirements and provisions are fulfilled. All laws found in violation of an existing law shall be automatically repealed with absolutely no chance of modification or reinstatement of the same or grossly similar proposal by another author legislator... In the case of the same or when a grossly similar proposal is filed, the author legislator, co-author/sponsor of the most current legislation will also be subject to all the provisions of this act.

SEC. 7. Penalties. - All laws found that contradict existing national laws under Republic Acts, House Bills, Senate Bills, Presidential Decrees, Department Administrative Orders and all other approved laws, rules and regulations will be punishable by the suspension of the author legislator and co-authors/sponsors from office and is fined the amount of 1,000,000 pesos that will be used in the re-education initiatives of all road users...

All laws found that contradict the Bill of Rights and/or the Constitution of the Philippines will be punishable by permanent removal of the author legislator and co-authors/sponsors from office and is fined the amount of 10,000,000 pesos that will be used in the improvement of the country's education initiatives...

All public servants, officers, regular employees, contractual employees, enforcement and aids implementing any law that contradicts an existing law will be punishable by his/her permanent removal from office and is fined the amount of 100,000,000 pesos that will be used in the improvement of law enforcement training and accountability... He/She may also be administratively or criminally held liable as dictated by the law...

SEC. 8. Nationwide Public Information Campaign. - The DOJ, CHR and DILG, in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency(PIA), the Department of Education (DepED) and private agencies
and organizations, shall undertake a nationwide information,education and communication (lEC) campaign for a period of fifteen(15) days for the attainment of the objectives of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

I think I can do this shit too!

Just another wall of text...

2013-02-01T03:58:00.004+08:00

Hey! What? Weh! Hahahahahahahahaha!

Whats new? We have seen countless laws being passed in spite it being raw and prone to loopholes that may lead to corruption in so many different aspects...


This year, don't vote for those who pick on motorcycle riders...

Still, we have yet to see a law that has gone into implementation and stayed...

On Senate Bill No. 3365...

Although this law helps the proliferation of deaths caused by alcohol, especially in the community (motorcycles) that I belong to, this helps us lessen the deaths caused when alcohol and reckless riding is mixed...

My view still stands, stricter licensing, and stricter enforcement of the EXISTING laws must be pushed in order to correct the attitude of all road users in general... All the problems, issues, and lack of discipline on the streets is mainly due to where it all starts... Our group's RCA (Root Cause Analysis) points to where you take your first step as a road user (well as a pedestrian, you already become one) with a vehicle as deadly as the person who drives/rides it... Let me simplify:

1. Drivers ED - This is not in our curriculum... Whether you are destined to drive a car, ride a motorcycle or be a commuter for the rest of your life, Drivers ED teaches you the basics of using the road, the rules and regulations that guide us, discipline and courtesy... If we start out having this in our hearts and minds, the issue wouldn't blow out of proportion...

2. Stricter Licensing - Applying for a license is like applying for a postal ID... There are almost no denials when there should be more exceptions... Fact: There are LTO licensing centers that do not conduct seminars when applying for a license for the first time... Fact: There are LTO application forms and test sheets with the answers already provided... Fact: Practical driving tests are no longer done except in LTO East Avenue as far as I can see... And sometimes, when the instructors are too busy or is preoccupied, you get to pass without actually showing them that you can drive... Fact: A blind man once applied for a license as an experiment... Don't take my word for it as it was featured in a show... Fact: You can hardly tell the difference between a real license or a fake one which is readily available within 30 mins and Php350...

3. Stricter Enforcement of the EXISTING LAWS - We live in a country of monkey see, monkey do... If others can counter flow, so can I... This is because we get away with it even if we don't try... Enforcement is too busy texting, selecting an easy apprehension, wondering if they are doing it right, and breaking the laws themselves for all of us to witness... Not to mention the lack of training given to our enforcers, the mixed rules and regulations that differ from one town to the other and to put it as plain as possible, the stupid ones that act as if they know what they are doing...
Call me weird, but I do go out in hunt of enforcement to apprehend me... This is my way of doing a progress report on the level of competence and the amount of corruption there is on the streets... And sometimes, I just do it to prove a point... The days of "ignorance of the laws, excuses no one" has long been replaced with, "Hello officer, meet my uncle, Ninoy"...

These three, if done properly and is adhered to like we brush our teeth everyday, would bring fourth change that is unheard of in the history of driving/riding in this country...

There is actually no need for new laws to come out if LTO followed RA 4136 by the letter... As majority of the violations made are found in this document... From the basic required components of you vehicle, speed limits, reckless driving/riding, right of way, and yes, even drunk driving/riding among others...

ARTICLE V
Miscellaneous Traffic Rules

Section 53. Driving while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug. - No person shall drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug.

You see, there are things that are as simple as night and day yet, somebody manages to make things a lot more complicated when the solution is just based on three aspects of road usage...

For us motorcycle users, this trend is so rampant, were almost compelled to expect a law that will ban us from riding on the streets in the next few legislation to come...

Installation of plate numbers on our helmets for easier identification...
No backride policy to do away with riding in tandem criminals...
Remove your helmet while in the vicinity of what not...
Color coded helmets for easier identification...
Mandatory vests with your plate number written at the back again, for identification purposes...
Selective apprehension of loud after market mufflers with out a standard and a means to objectively measure the sound level of your motorcycle while noisy buses, jeeps and other vehicles seem to be unaffected by this legislation...
Import Commodity Clearance sticker requirement on all motorcycle helmets as the basis of apprehension on the streets...
Requiring all motorcycle users to avail of a sticker that matches your license and your motorcycle making the OR/CR and our very own license useless...
Anti modification law that is so raw, upgrading your spoke rims to mag wheels can get you apprehended...
Requirement of all riders to wear gloves so you cant use a gun... SWAT, SF, MILITARY and other ARMED FORCES wear gloves right? Heck, I wear gloves when I play paintball or airsoft war games...
All riders caught on EDSA, Commonwealth and Macapagal Avenue violating the Motorcycle Lane are given a 15 minute seminar that earns you a sticker saying "I am a responsible rider"...
Plates on the front and both sides of the motorcycle for, yes you guessed it, easier identification...
Checkpoints that concentrate on motorcycles only while a bunch of men with high powered firearms breezes through the checkpoint...
Coding for vehicles that actually help decrease congestion because of it's smaller size...
Laws preventing us from using our purchased vehicle on the street because it takes so long for LTO to release (current average is 2 1/2 months) our plate numbers...
Laws discriminating smaller displacement motorcycle users from using a road that is actually a lot safer than C5 or EDSA...
Requiring all riders of all ages, sizes, and medical conditions to wear only thick pants, jackets, shoes and gloves...
Banning of full face helmets in some areas...
Banning of open face helmets in other areas...
Laws written in such a way that we are already profiled as criminals just because we use motorcycles...
Laws that only affect one vehicle class while others are exempted...
Laws that actually give would be criminals the means to become invisible or laws that help them rather than deter them...
And my current favorite, limiting our use of the road by placing us in a lane that everybody else can use, while we cant share other lanes unless we need to overtake somebody... That also puts us in harms way as nobody can stop the buses and jeeps from cutting across our lane which we don't even enjoy right of way on... Lanes that removes the best safety feature of a motorcycle: It's ability to maneuver out of harms way...

So far, the other road users don't have this much on their plates... But they do have their share of close calls, side mirror taps and paint scratches from relentless riders who force they way into the tightest of spots to get ahead of everybody else... Yes, we have more uneducated, irresponsible, and STUPID riders than any other vehicle class... Because we have the highest number of vehicle registration as of today... Outnumbering cars, vans, puv's, tricycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, suv's among others... And that is because of our ability to get a license and a motorcycle with less than 6,000 pesos in our hands and within a day without considering the dangers, risks, corruption, segregation of our class, discrimination from other road users and legislators, lack of applied skill in operating a motor vehicle and last, but not the least, understanding of the traffic laws and regulations that guide us...

Riding a motorcycle... It's more FUNDS in the Philippines... - Edwin Go

A Whole Lot Of Stupid...

2013-01-26T12:53:00.003+08:00

Today, I was given a wake up call..

In the recent year since the birth of the MC Lane on Commonwealth, Macapagal and EDSA, I have been very partial in going against the implementation due to a few specific things...

1. It deprives us of the rights to use the road even if we pay the same road tax as everybody else...
2. The discrimination and segregation experienced from not just the ones who implemented the law, but also from the ones who supported it and the other road users who show no respect towards motorcycle riders...
3. The false sense of safety while those who continue to bully us on the roads are shown tolerance and is ignored no matter how blatant they are in entering our small piece of road...
4. The use of inconsistent, incomplete and/or exaggerated numbers/statistics that some people use to push the so called "effective or positive results" that masks the way our rights have been trampled on and is being used to say that our rights mean nothing as long as they achieve their so called "results"...
5. The coverups, media blackout and evident removal of the accidents on MC Lanes that we all saw, read about here in our wall and is seen elsewhere on the internet which for some strange, but unsurprising reason, is not in their numbers/statistics...
6. The failure to control other road users who are NOT supposed to be in these lanes...
7. Over all, the failure to implement the existing traffic rules and vehicle regulations and yet, they create new, STUPID and useless ones...

Since the implementation started, I personally used my awareness + acquired skill + patience in dealing with the way other road users cut, weave, block, stop and put us in evident danger... I get away unscathed because I always assume the worst... And with the experience I carry as an everyday rider and cage driver, My presumptions on how the other drivers would move about helped me deal with the "bullies"... And each time, they manage to anger me to the point that I have never missed an opportunity to shout at them or bang on their vehicles with my fist when they come too close to me... It feels like I am always in a battle for my life on the MC Lane...

Some people may think that this is an exaggerated notion, an excuse to use drama to heighten the emotions pointed against these lanes... Today, for the first time, I felt absolute fear not for my self, but for another fellow rider whom I was guiding through EDSA via North Avenue towards Monumento...

As I led this rider through, the usual jerks in buses, jeeps, taxis and other private vehicles were about... However, not only once, but several times, I witnessed multiple close calls... Good thing the rider had the concentration and the focus to keep it steady and use the maneuverability and proper braking capacity of our motorcycles when it was needed the most...

As we stopped right before Monumento, the rider exclaimed the entire experience to me and showed a great sense of relief for getting through the MC Lane... And this was on a good day... Where the volume was lighter than usual... One particular experience the rider mentioned was when an Isuzu Taxi cut across the MC lane so abruptly that the front brakes almost came to a lock... The extended use of the horn was all the rider could do to say, "HEY YOU ALMOST HIT ME!!!"

Aside from what this rider shared with me, the worst part of this short, but hair raising ride was when a green bus came into the picture... The rider does not know about this, but the moment this post is read, it will be known to the rider... Anyway, this particular bus, for whatever stupidity or evil possessed him, just went behind the rider and tailgated my companion for at least half a kilometer... I wanted to stop the bus, pull him out of his monstrous vehicle and shove his face in front of his bumper as I watched my side view mirror in horror as the bus came so close to my companion, that I felt the bus behind me even if I was several bike lengths ahead of them...

As much as I wanted to stop, pour my anger at what I have just witnessed, my instincts told me to keep going and get out of EDSA as fast as humanly possible and get my inexperienced companion out of the stupid lane that is just waiting to claim another victim...

As soon as we reached our separation point in Monumento, I felt proud of my companion and somewhat hurt at the same time because, throughout this ordeal, I searched and searched for any signs of any enforcement where I could come back to and just pour out my horrific experience and anger for allowing such things to happen... And to my dismay, I saw no one... Except when I got back to West avenue where I was already on the far side of the road about to make my u-turn... Then I thought to myself, heck, what's the use... It's been a year since the start of implementation and what has happened here, wont change or just get worse... Pushing my anger towards somebody who does have an ounce of concern or sense of responsibility towards the road users will be a waste of time...

So you see, the concern MRO has on the raw and stupid MC Lane continues and is an ordeal that gets worse... For the smart ones, they hardly follow the lane or just pass through else where... For the unknowing ones, they risk life and limb... For the ones who think it's good for riders, are as stupid and as arrogant to see and believe in the dangers that we, daily riders see, feel, and experience in these lanes... And there are those who just want to take home what they earned to their families so they put themselves at risk to get home safe in spite the risks brought about by the MC Lanes...

And now, we have C5 and Katipunan Avenue following in the long lane of STUPID that I am more than certain, isn't meant for our safety, but meant to remove us from the roads...

With that said, I would gladly give up riding if they pay for my motorcycle, buy me a car, and refund all the tax payments I made since I started riding daily... Which I am pretty sure of, has gone to the pockets of those who DO NOT THINK ABOUT OUR WELFARE AND ARE JUST OUT THERE TO PUT THEMSELVES IN PEDESTALS OF THEIR SELFISH INTERESTS...

Nuff said...

-JB

A MESSAGE TO ALL...

2012-11-13T10:09:00.003+08:00

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

There has been numerous times when the advocacy and the fight against inequality and unfair treatment was and is questioned, doubted and denied... And there are times when I questioned myself if doing this was or is worth it...

Personally, I never thought to be in this position and doing the things I do today... I never thought people will come to join me and take on the job that offers no glorification, no compensation and no end...

I have seen people come and go for or against the cause and for the benefit of all riders... I have seen people stay and continue with their support... I have seen rumors, lies, blasphemy and statements worth of slander and libel... Yet we chose to ignore them and push forward for we do not come first, the riders do...

We have been pushed down, ignored, turned over, spun in circles, shamed, humiliated, betrayed and used... Yet we tread forward in spite the disheartening acts and disillusionment that we experience...

I have personally experienced riding alone and doing what needs to be done for others... I have seen myself turning back and thinking, "I am doing this for others besides my self, but why am I alone?" Admittedly, I had been selfish and have turned my back a few times because I have lost the urge and the inspiration... Yet, I find my self back here... Thinking of others before my self...

But this is not about me... It is not about us... Not about what is ours, amin, kami, ako, akin o sarili... This is about you, them, sila, kayo o kanila... We do not wish to claim anybody, anything or what is not ours to begin with... For we are yours, at your service and at your disposal... We are as dispensable as the next person... We are not perfect, we are not the smartest, we are not always correct, we are not always sensible, we are not always logical... Most of all, we are not always doing what is right... Yet, from the beginning when we were but a small group, to reaching an unbelievable 6,700 within a year of going public on social networks, we have come together, thought of the issues, consolidated our ideas, spoke, met and acted on what needs to be acted on... And we have prevailed... And we have acted on whats best for everybody and not just ourselves...

We have made sacrifices... Some more that what is required of them... Yet they do so without asking for something in return... For the benefit of those we do not even know... Who don't even give the same care that we have for them... We understand... For this is not something any person would do on an ordinary day or an ordinary situation...

We have come across challenges, surprises, disappointment, dismay and betrayal... We have come across small victories, large ones, clarity, sense, friendship, camaraderie, unity and we have seen the light at the end of the darkest tunnel...

Some of you may be asking why I write this, what purpose, what message... I write this because, not all of us will be here forever... Some of us would have to move on, set other priorities, change sides or pay back for what we have ignored and set aside for the longest time... But as long as we have the advocacy in out hearts, each stroke of the pen, each small idea, one word post or gesture for the benefit of others, our advocacy will live on... It will continue... It will prevail...

So what ever the reason is for coming or going, may you give back to the family you have set aside for the advocacy, an illness that needs tending, the loyalty for another or you were blinded by lies, you shall always be part of who and what we serve as members and volunteers of MRO/MAP...

Thank you... Thank you for sharing everything, what you have done, the support and for being part of the advocacy...

Thank you for listening, for believing, for understanding and for responding to the call for unity, safety and equality... Thank you for fighting for our rights...

On November 18, let us give this day for the cause and dedicate it to those who have lost their lives and offer it to those who we can still save... Let us come together, be united and put others before ourselves to help make our lives safer and more enjoyable... Let us shape the future, apart from all the glory, all the fame and self gratification... As having one shared goal will provide us with one shared and combined victory... A victory for all of you, the riders of the country we live in... A victory that we, united, can make it happen...

Let us give thanks and honor to those who have helped, supported, believed in, participated and accepted the call to action towards unity, safety and equality... Let us share this day with the rest of the road users and the rest of the world... Let us make history on this day...

Hear the message and accept the call... Have renewed faith and be one of us... Be a rider... Be a Filipino...

Let us ride... For the future... For all roads lead here...

"Even if I ride alone, for as long as I carry the belief that I am doing good for others before my self, I will be proud of my advocacy... And I will continue until everybody becomes aware of the truth for it will set us all free..."

Just another open letter...

2012-10-23T01:29:00.000+08:00

The Decade of Action for Road Safety or DARS is not just a Philippine event... It is an initiative started by the WHO and UN... This is an international project spanning the entire globe...

November 18 signifies the World Day of Rememberance (WDR) for road crash victims...

Different groups and agencies have come together to make multiple events in reflection of the said victims...

2W Relay for a CAUSE (Call to Action for Unity, Safety and Equality) is a project, created and initiated by our National Focal Point, Asec. Dante Lantin in honor of the DARS project and dedicated to the WDR or road accident victims...

In the event surrounding the 2W Relay, we had hoped that the contract given to the WDR celebration on November 18 would see us arrive to end the relay at the event... However, due to some complications made on the schedule and how they plan to run the program, the 2W Relay was not given the opportunity to release the video that was created through the legs and to honor the riders, their clubs, their organizations and the federations that have supported and participated in the event and the LGU's that have made commitments to support this initiative and to push for the implementation of the wishlist that we created to help make our roads safer...

In order for us to do that, Asec. Lantin, DOTC, MRO/MAP, ARMAS, MDPPA, MDAP, A4 Tele Media, Dep Ed, LTO, PNP, MX and the Philippine Red Cross decided to create an event dedicated to the hard work, sacrifice and the spirit of this relay by holding a separate event so we can honor all those who we have sought to touch and reach out to in accordance to the advocacy of the 2W Relay for a CAUSE...

This does not mean that just because a separate event was created, we are bashing heads with the WDR... No... WDR, as far as we know, is being groomed solely for the victims of road accidents... The organizers opted to give the concentration for them while we in turn, want to honor the riders who have dedicated the 2W Relay for a CAUSE to them as well...

There are countless rumors spreading around that instead of us just focusing on the advocacy that each of us carries, why is the separation of the two events, who's reasons are far from what these rumors bring, being promulgated into the minds of the people? Don't they have the right to choose? Both events honor the same spirit, the same advocacy, the same purpose... One is just concentrated on one thing, and the other on another thing... Is that so bad? Is that sourgraping over the non participation of a group in the creation of the 2W Relay for a CAUSE enough reason to create havoc by means of rumor mongering? Didn't we ask them in a meeting in DOTC to help us and unite with us so that we can bring DARS, which is the mother of these events (WDR and 2W) to the rest of the riders in the country and so we can push for the future of safer motorcycling in the country?

It's fine if they want to be part of WDR... I applaud them for being there for the accident victims... But what is so bad with wanting to give thanks to the people who have shared, participated, helped, accepted and believed in what 2W Relay is doing? Don't we have the right to promote the relay's motives and to dedicate it to the same people WDR is dedicating their program to?

I just don't get it... And to be honest, after what I have said on this open letter and for whatever your reasons are, I am holding on to our agreement on the day we shook hands for 2W... We have called your participation and cooperation in hopes of unity, but the actions that followed only showed otherwise... I have shook your hands hoping that we will all be in this together and that we let bygones be bygones, however, I find myself being awestruck with the relentless attacks and rumor mongering against other groups and against the truth of what these events represent... All we are asking for is to allow each group, to be part of what they believe in without remorse and without conflicting statements aimed at character assassination and the derailing of the unity we are calling for...

And now, the spreading of mis-information about the DARS initiative and the claiming of it's spirit and the propaganda being spread against other groups who only aim to support the DARS initiative... Does it really have to come to this?

Albeit at some point, some words were exchanged in relation to the invitation to have the groups join us in support of the 2W Relay, one side had already humbled it self and had accepted humility by posting a public apology for what has transpired, while the others continue to create a different picture nonetheless... And as disappointing as it may seam, there has to be an explanation to all of this... Does it have to come to a point where we have to let everybody know where all this mudslinging began? To the pointing of fingers, the rumors, the accusations and the character assassinations even after one has admitted to his mistake?

Please don't tempt me and the others who were witnesses to the hand shakes exchanged over our gentleman's agreement to support the cause and not our own egos'... Support who you want to support and allow us to support what we want to support... Without spreading BASELESS rumors and accusations that only DESTROY the call for UNITY that was made and was SUPPOSEDLY sealed with our handshakes...

In the end, we, the riders of this country will ALL benefit in the fruits of our labor anyway right?

So please... Show the people and the community that you really mean what was agreed upon on that day we shook hands... Followed by the day that we honored your presence in one of the legs of the 2W relay... The day we asked you to speak and share your support and participation in the invitation given to start the spirit of unity anew...

Let's be there for the rider... Let's help save them from a road accident... Let's help save a million lives in support of the Decade of Action for Road Safety... Nothing more, and nothing less...

Good night and I hope, this message reaches all of you and your better nature...

-JB

My personal Stand on the Cyber E-Martial Law...

2012-10-02T13:09:00.002+08:00

When is it going to be effective?

Kasi, once it becomes effective, I am willing to bet, I will have countless cases against me for speaking my mind against the atrocities put on the rider's shoulders...

My blog alone is a shit storm of cases for the would be wolves waiting on the perfect moment to pounce...

Am I to take it down to protect my self and allow the system screw me over? Or do I face it head on?

ME ACTING HUMAN: Fvck this... Let them take me to court for what I have said...

I still have my constitutional right on "No Ex Post Facto Law shall be enacted"...

I dare them to take me down...

Funny how this one works...

2012-09-13T14:05:00.002+08:00

Funny how some people talk about money, politics, using others for their own benefit, stealing and what not...

When all of these things have been seen and proven with the very people that accuse others of doing so...

Then there's the issue of some of us receiving money... Where?!? Oh please, if these rumors are true, let us know where the money is so we can buy new motorcycles... ROFLMAO!!!

Seriously though, what effect does their rumor mongering, black propaganda and baseless lies do to us? It only makes people more interested in knowing who we are, what we do and what we represent... In the process, they see the truth, they see through the lies that they promulgate, they discover the senselessness of their accusations and they eventually switch sides over to us...

As the saying goes, "the truth will set you free"... However in this case, the truth, has set us all free from their childish and desperate acts of throwing dirt into the faces of those who only mean to do good and not use the public for their own selfish benefit, self centered ideals and delusions of grandeur...

So again, feel free to spread more baseless rumors, senseless lies, black propaganda and slanderous statements about us and other people... It only gives us more opportunity to show them who is for the rider and who speaks the TRUTH...

A rude awakening...

2012-08-16T11:48:00.000+08:00

ADVISORY:

Just had a phone meeting with Mario Umbao Gaudiano, Head of the ICC on Helmet Program and Specialist Product Manager of the BPS under the DTI.

I have just confirmed the "alleged" meeting with the DOTC, LTO, MMDA, MCPF and another undeclared party with him and the program being "arranged" in Antipolo for August 18.

Here is what we talked about:

1. The meeting took place and a lot of questions were raised... There was another party in the meeting which was not included in the announcements made... Why? I don't really know and honestly, I don't really care... A lot of questions were thrown around and a lot of advise coming from the DTI as to the issues facing the riders in the stickering program and the upcoming street level apprehensions... All they (the undeclared party) can utter is, "what can we do, the law has been passed... Whats left is for us to TRY and make amendments to it..." I would say, since you have made this law, instead of passing blame to others when you could have fixed it prior to it's approval, is spearhead its amendment... If you can't or wont, then we will fix the mess you left for us...

2. As far as enforcement on street level is concerned, the discussion led to, the LTO does not need to issue any directive or deputation to any of the enforcement agency (MMDA, LGU and PNP) for them to conduct their own operation... The issue with this is, since the law has many TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, the enforcement can misinterpret or use their own interpretation to apprehend riders... A means to corruption on the streets and pass the burden to the riders as stated in our fears and worst expectations... DTI is asking LTO and the other agencies to setup guidelines on what is required on the streets as the ICC sticker should only serve as the guideline for the consumer and not the enforcer... This way, the consumers are protected from the worst on street level... I told him that it may not be enough that the amendment is the absolute solution... All we need to do is to make it happen and support what needs to happen...

3. There are no arrangements, no MOA's, no joint forces or agreements between the DTI and any other group except the other government agencies involved in this act... So anything announced, is something that DTI has been conducting and doing from the get go... The stickers and forms are free since this all started... The offer to serve groups, organizations, NGO's and private companies with 30 riders/helmets or more is something they came up on their own and had been doing before some announcements were made claiming it as their project or saying that it is "courtesy of..." MRO's announcement on August 2 in regard to this is clear that this was instigated by the DTI and they reached out to us for help and cooperation which we gladly agreed to in service of the community... NOT TO TAKE CREDIT FROM WHERE IT IS DUE...

4. That there are things that has yet to be coordinated properly, but should always be coursed through the DTI so that nobody is misquoted, misinterpreted and misrepresented... In fairness to the others, there is a program on August 18 in Antipolo as announced only verbally late yesterday, but no paperwork has been made and no notice given to the DTI branch in Antipolo as of this morning...

5. That prior to making such statements or announcements, we should be sure of what we promise people before things go sour and things become ill gotten... It is so easy to say that they announced it without coordination and planning if this was to push through or not and now, they are trying to rush the departments who had offered this program to them like it was offered to us... That program in which they are claiming as their own and making it FREE for their co-federation members only...

6. That it is sad to see how something that DTI had given to the people on their own accord is being claimed by others and is even being promulgated as "courtesy of" the said parties taking recognition from those UN-aware... That this will be brought up with the Director of the BPS and the Under Secretary of the DTI on how they were not shown due respect with these acts of hypocrisy from the very people who have been attacking the other groups because of their (candidly announced) intention to run for office and yet, they allow this ka-EPAL-an to happen... And when I say "allow", I mean it by giving them the benefit of the doubt that they did not instigate or is not part of any of this pre-marking of DTI's form for the stickering of helmets...

With that said, I hope, for their sake, that they only made a mistake in their statements (which the followup posts clearly shows otherwise) and make the necessary corrections and give back credit to where it is due... The DTI only means to help the people and protect the consumer... However, since they are only the implementing body of the LAW, the people behind the said ACT should have made efforts to help protect the riders that they CLAIM to represent instead of making it look like they are CLAIMING CREDIT for what DTI has been doing for us...

And what makes it more intriguing is the fact that they announced that they will put a stop to the stickering through the DOJ and now, they admit that they cannot do anything about what they have started in the first place... That they have even resorted to pointing fingers at other people that, if they only paid attention to and listened to the warnings of others, could have been avoided prior to the passage of the LAW...

It is truly funny how all of this works...

All this could have been avoided if only they PAID ATTENTION and put the people's interest before their own that has looked like it only fed their EGO...

MRO/MAP EAST (MARIKINA) RELIEF OPERATIONS - AUGUST 9, @ 10AM onwards...

2012-08-09T01:54:00.001+08:00

THE DELAYED EAST (MARIKINA) RELIEF OPERATIONS WILL TENTATIVELY RESUME TOMORROW @ 10:00AM, AUGUST 9, IF WEATHER PERMITS...

We need to watch over the weather condition as we have been delayed by today's mis-interpretation of the weather...

Let us not allow this to stop us from what we intended to do today...

I will be announcing the go or hold signal before 9:30AM... If you can do self assessment, feel free to proceed to the site as soon as you can... Otherwise, please watch for announcement here... If in case the weather is bad, but you made it to the site, My mom's house is only a corner away (SEE MAP) and I will be there the whole day... Feel free to come over...

Collection of Relief goods for the East Side (For Marikina and San Mateo hit areas) is now activated.

All those closer to Marikina may join us or contribute in the operations to provide help for the people hit near the Marikina River and other low level areas hit hard by flood waters.

Collection and packing area will be at the Sta. Teresita Village Covered Basketball Court at AGOHO ST.

Please see the map...

We would also like to ask those who can contribute for the operations. We need:

Clothes (for all ages)
Blankets
Towels
Food (ready to eat, canned goods, rice, bread)
Drinking Water
Coffee
Medicine
Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, alcohol)
Infants food and milk
Any financial support received will be used to buy more relief goods @ South Supermarket which is just behind the site of the operations.

We shall start the collection @ 10:00 AM, August 9 (IF WEATHER PERMITS) and the packing will commence as soon as we have enough collected.

We need volunteers!!!

We also need:
A vehicle to bring the collected items after the packing
Chairs and tables
Hot water pot
Coffee
Drinking water
Extension cords

LETS MOVE NOW PEOPLE!!! You may text me @ 09217754388 if you need assistance on how to get there...

If you are unable to go, we would appreciate if you can pass, like, link, share this to make it viral... Thank you!!!

No ex post facto law shall be enacted... NOT!!!

2012-08-03T02:59:00.001+08:00

Let me go back to the why... The law states that if your helmet does not have the appropriate marking, then anybody who USES will be fined... Therefore, this came about during the creation of the law... Not during it's implementation as it was the law that tasked DTI that the helmet carry the PS or ICC mark for compliance...

The DTI's job is to enforce the law onto the importers, dealers and sellers... However, because of the time they were given, the law did not take into account the helmet life span...

Let me explain... If the law stated that by a certain date (August 1 kunware) all helmets should be of standard, then everything being used should be of standard... If not, either you replace your helmet or you risk apprehension... The law was approved in 2010, the IRR was released Jan 2012... Jan to August is roughly 6 - 7 months... What if, I bought my helmet the day before the release of the IRR? Does it disqualify my helmet automatically because it had no markings on it? When was the requirement for markings specified? This part alone already violates Bill of Rights, Section 22. No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.

Ex post facto literally means “from something done afterward...” Note four categories of ex post facto laws: 1) laws that makes an action done before the passing of the law, and which was innocent when done, and punishes such action, 2) Laws that aggravate a crime, or makes it greater than it was when committed, 3) laws that change the punishment, and inflicts a greater punishment, than the law attached to the crime when it was committed, and 4) laws that alter the legal rules of evidence, and receives less, or different, testimony, than the law required at the time of the commission of the offense, in order to convict the offender.

So, if I bought my helmet the day before the helmet law was set in motion with the IRR, I should be exempt from the law itself... Otherwise, the ex post facto law is violated...

What should have happened is this:

Helmet Law IRR released
DTI eradicates all stores of non standard or sub standard helmets that does not pass regulations
DTI sets in motion, a screening process for importers to apply for the ICC sticker, ensuring that all stores only sell helmets bearing the ICC mark
DTI, DOTC and LTO, during the time of eradication of substandard helmets and ensuring that all helmets in the market are within standard and bears the marking (ICC) should conduct information and education drive campaigns for public dissemination
As soon as the homologation of helmets purchased prior to the start of the initial implementation (after the IRR and the start of eradication of substandard helmets) has ended (homologation is the life span indicated for helmets which is 5 years), then regulation should commence on street level

Then on street level, the standard marking that the helmet has should be the check and balance and not the ICC sticker... Standard markings can be anything from SNELL, DOT, ECE, TIS, JIS and other internationally known standards...

Now, since the adopted standard is specific to ECE, the other standards, even those higher, becomes at fault because the standard is "SPECIFIC" rather than "ECE 22.05, it's accepted equivalents or higher standards..." To make the law more consumer and economic friendly, they should have unspecified the standard since standards such as TIS and DOT is being allowed as we speak...

Therefore, the specifics of the term "USES" made it a prerequisite on the end user as well... And the only way to rid the law of its violation of the ex post facto law in the Bill of Rights is to allow everybody the chance to get their helmets compliant to that prerequisite of having the PS or ICC marking...

So again, the law is the root cause of the problem... DTI tried to do damage control... Just like how the move of the federation and Sen. Bong Revilla to stop DTI from issuing stickers is branded the same... DAMAGE CONTROL...

Now that we have specified where the law has technically failed, the only way to save it, is to have the said provisions amended, allow the newly purchased helmets prior to the effective date of the law run it's homologation course of 5 years before stopping every rider and checking if his helmet does pass the regulations or standard...

Irregardless, the Helmet Act should have started from the importation up to the store level only... And just kept the use of helmets to the use of "MOTORCYCLE HELMETS" to get every rider and their passenger to wear MOTORCYCLE HELMETS before a standard is even regulated on street level... BACK TO BASICS 101... WEAR YOUR MOTORCYCLE HELMET DAMMIT!!!

And if the quality check, importation check and store level check is done properly, there wouldn't be any need to take this down to the street level except for not wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding since there is no more sub standard, or non standard helmet available for purchase in the market... And even if there is, we simply look if it has an ICC mark before we buy it...

After you buy it, it shouldn't matter if you remove the sticker as it shouldn't be the basis of street level apprehension for helmets... And that protects the end user from extortion attempts on street level or what we candidly call as "kotong..."

DAMN! SAKIT SA BANGS!!!

ICC fiasco... Passing the blame on DTI? Think again... Read this first and be informed...

2012-08-02T10:27:00.001+08:00

In recent meetings with the DTI, it is clear that that the provisions of the law made the ICC sticker as the basis for checking the helmets on store and street level... DTI is moving forward in assuring that stickers remain free until the end of the stickering period in December and are making procedures a lot easier and faster for riders... As discussed, if we can come in groups of more than 30, they will come to us to do the inspection and stickering to avoid the hassles of lining up... All we need to do is to make sure we have more than 30 riders in attendance and name the time and place where we can meet with them...

This is our way of helping the riders and the DTI in making everybody's lives easier and to help protect them from street level apprehensions intended to milk us riders...

1st, it was made free...
Now it is made even easier...

They will do this until we are able to get the law amended and rid ourselves of the ICC requirement on street level...

But where did this all start? Was it DTI's mandate? Are they to blame? Read carefully on what I am about to say...

Based on the paper trail, DTI is just the "fall guy" in all of this... They are the primary agency who will set the standards, ensure that the stores, dealers, retailers, distributors and importers are complying to "LAW"... While the second agency in-charge of street level apprehensions will ride on the ICC sticker to check if the helmet is acceptable for use on the roads or not... This was written even before DTI and DOTC/LTO was tasked to make the IRR and to push its implementation...

Sila ang tagapangasiwa ng batas... Hindi sila ang nag didikta kung ano o pano ito dapat gawin...
Looking at all the documents from the use, selling and importation of helmets, it is clear that this is based from the Act itself and the IRR was simply made based on it...

Excerpt from the Helmet Act RA 10054 As stated from Section 7 (c):

(c) Any person who uses, sells and distributes substandard
motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or
the ICC certificate shall be punished with a fine of not less than
Three thousand pesos (Php3,000.00) for the first offense; and Five
thousand pesos (Php5,000.OO) for the second offense, without
prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or
the "Consumer Act of the Philippines".

So this was implemented from the get go and not by the joint IRR...As the joint IRR was only made in the basis set forth by the act itself...

People who have been pointing to the DTI for this, have to look beyond the implementing agency and look at the cause of all the problems and where it all started...

And to those planning on passing the blame and calling this a propaganda of DTI, think again on who the blame should be passed on... And to those who consulted, instigated, pushed, supported and used the bill to promote yourselves, SHAME ON YOU for trying to wash your hands... The documents never lie as they will always show where the problem started...

Looking at the post carefully and by looking at how it is worded, it states that anybody with the "STANDARD" protective helmet shall be relieved from acquiring DTI stickers... This is what we are aiming to amend... Pero, those who do not fall under the said "STANDARD" are still under scrutiny and denial in order for them to change their helmets... This in turn, hits anything and everything that is not ECE 22.05 compliant...

DTI first saved the Filipino Rider by making the sticker free and by spearheading the request to extend the free stickering to accommodate all the riders... Then they accepted other standards such as DOT, TIS, SNELL and other internationally known standards to be more considerate to the riders... Now, they are passing the blame to somebody else, particularly the DTI and another "SENATOR" for making such amendments on the "ACT" kuno... But the documents show that this all started from the ACT itself... Then if another "SENATOR" made amendments to the ACT, why is there only one signatory? Why is it allowed to be passed in the first place? Why wait till now, to move and point fingers at others? We have been lobbying for the amendment ever since this was a proposal and now, after the mess it made, are you passing the blame? I don't get it...

In giving them the benefit of the doubt, may I say that if they are after the welfare of the riders in general, Ok, let us wait for the results of their move with the DOJ and allow them to push for this... We are, after all, after the welfare of the riding community... So, by all means, please pass that petition with the DOJ and if you can, please do what we initially started, amend the law to make the standard unspecified and keep the internationally known standards acceptable until the market is cleaned of all contraband, fake and substandard helmets... We will wait for Monday and we will be watching out for the petition and what it holds... Does it only protect the ECE users or does it protect the consumer's welfare? The ball is in their court... Let's hope it is for the riders and not for anything else...

I believe DTI was only making it easier for the riding public based on what they were tasked to do... Besides, based on the other publications prior to the implementation, the DTI was pressured into fast-tracking the IRR into effect... Which only tells us that somebody is "nag mamadali"...

To blame DTI for this is barking at the wrong tree as they were only following what was ordered of them to do... The basis of the ICC sticker as the means to identify the helmet as within standard is already stated on the ACT itself...

Look and read the following:

1. The Helmet Act RA 10054

2. The press release titled: PENDING IRR BLOCKS FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF HELMET LAW (NOTE THE DATE ON THIS PRESS RELEASE)

http://senate.gov.ph/press_release/2011/0817_revilla1.asp

And see where I am coming from and what I am talking about...

Is DTI really the agency to blame for all of this? Is it fair for us to pass the buck to them and call it DTI's propaganda?

Is there really another SENATOR who called the shots on RA 10054 and had it amended prior to it's passing? Who is this Senator? Is there really another one?

Think... Think hard... Then ask yourself WHY?

On the other hand, if there really is another Senator, maybe Bong Revilla was only ill-advised in all of this... So, instead of making blind items of the information they hold, why not just speak aloud and name the Senator that they are trying to identify as the perpetrator of this ICC fiasco...

That way, we can relieve the DTI for being the fall-guy of the ACT who initially needed the amendment before it was passed...

For now, let us not blame the Senator who passed this ACT until the other Senator who made the amendment to RA10054 is named by these people who made the accusation... For all we know, he might have been made a fall-guy himself...

Se more of whats happening on our FB Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcrightsorg/

Passing the buck... What happens when you sit with your thumb up your ass...

2012-07-25T10:08:00.000+08:00

Kahapon tinawag akong ipis ng di matukoy kung sinong tao, ngayon, either kami ang tinutukoy ng isang personalidad na importer ng fake na helmet or kami yung nag papagamit sa mga ito para i-protesta ang flawed implementation ng helmet law...

If you were only paying attention, looking closely at whats happening and out for the welfare of the people you declared you represent, we actually despise fake and substandard helmets that are being tagged with ICC stickers...

In the first place, the ICC stickers shouldn't be the basis of street level inspection for the riders who uses them... In order to protect the riders and to save them from carrying the burden of paying and being penalized for the damn stickers, we are left with no choice, but to take drastic measures to help the riders... Ensuring that the market is only filled with proper helmets is the responsibility of the importers, sellers and the DTI and not the end user... Furthermore, come the street level apprehensions, it should be the standard and not the ICC sticker that will tell the enforcer if the helmet is acceptable for use on Philippine roads or not...

We are trying to prevent the worse from happening and allowing the responsibility of others be passed on to the end users... Our only responsibility should be to make sure we are buying the right helmet off the shelves of the store... Even so, with the economic status of the people, can you blame them for allowing themselves to purchase something that allows them to bring home more food and payment for bills since it is available in the market? Shouldn't it have been better if they, eradicate the substandard, clean up the market, sell the right product, inform or educate the people then regulate?!?

Why on earth do we have to be the ones cleaning up the mess being thrown, let me rephrase, shoved our way...

Instead of us enjoying what the noble intention of this law should bring, the flaws in it's implementation is causing the people to fret as they carry the burden of the ones responsible for this blown out of proportion issue that is killing the law than it should have been...

And when we thought and hoped that the proponents of this law would be watchful and vigilant on it's success, we are left alone fending for our selves, taking the heat and being thrown accusations, YET AGAIN, like nothing bad is happening...

Funny how that one works...

MRO/MAP Official position statement on QC Ordinance # PO12-53 by Councilor Ranulfo Z. Ludovica...

2012-06-08T00:12:00.002+08:00

We hereby submit our position paper in the proposal made by the Honorable Councilor, Ranulfo Z. Ludovica on the Ordinance PO12-53 - "AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING ALL DRIVERS AND BACKRIDE PASSENGERS OF MOTORCYCLES TRAVERSING WITHIN JURISDICTION OF QUEZON CITY TO WEAR VEST OR JACKET CLOTHING WITH PRINTED PLATE NUMBER OF THE MOTORCYCLE THEY ARE RIDING, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

Let me state the general position as stated by the general riding community on our end:

WHEREAS, we acknowledge the problem of criminality and we are greatly saddened that the perpetrators of these crimes chose motorcycles as their vehicle of choice.

WHEREAS, we also acknowledge and laud the efforts of the honorable councilor in making such efforts to help prevent and ease the crimes perpetrated by motorcycle riding criminals

WHEREAS, we also have to remember, that the people you are asking to tag themselves are part of the public and are citizens as well. Although we understand the need to practice the need for police power, we have to ensure that we are also abiding by the provisions of our Saligang Batas and Constitution and that our rights as civilians are also respected.

WHEREAS, there are numerous loopholes in the ordinance that will not affect nor deter the would be criminal. We can cite a lot of scenarios in this but, the fact of the matter is, any criminal can simply take one motorcycle, illegally AND legally, and use a vest that will match the motorcycle's plate and perpetrate the crime without his true identity compromised. Identity theft is as easy as normal theft in today's day and age. Let us bear in mind the hassle, stress and burden that will be passed on to the unlucky owner of a motorcycle who's plate and identity is compromised by the criminal in commission of a crime that he is innocent of.

WHEREAS, physical issues may be affected as not all riders are created equal or has the same physical condition. A person with diabetes, heart conditions or other ailments that can only ride with a jersey may be affected in his operation of the motorcycle if asked to add more layers like a jacket or a vest. If that happens, judgment, comfort and risk are all involved and may lead to worse implications.

WHEREAS, economic reasons may also be affected as the general riding public chose motorcycles as their mode of transportation as the monthly amortization + gas is more cost effective that public transport. However, and in many cases, these people live off minimum or even less and the added cost of doing such may affect his daily budgetary needs and more-so, when he is apprehended.

WHEREAS, the idea, being brought upon the riders or motorcycle users alone, as much as we would hate to use the "D" word, smells of DISCRIMINATION as crime is not just perpetrated by riding criminals... There are those who walk, use other modes of transportation and even public transport. And in consideration of all the modes of transport used by the criminal, this means, everybody needs to wear ID tags identifying themselves while on the streets? I sense the great possibility of a precedence that will eventually blow out of proportion if this mandate is pushed down the throats of the riding public.

WHEREAS, the air being blown out by this idea is making the riding public more resistant to the government. Resistance instills the loss of confidence in our law makers and enforcement. Why don't we instill cooperation instead of acts that makes us more resistant? More than 95% of the riders involved are not aware, have limited or no access to the internet, media or other sources of information as they live through their day making as much money as they can to bring what little amount home to feed themselves and their families. And they are all prone to the apprehensions, if such is mandated by the lack of knowledge of such ordinance.

WHEREAS, we also understand and acknowledge the problem of the lack of enforcement thereof, however, passing the burden of the shortcomings of our enforcement should not be passed on the public. Instead, we should find means on how we can help each other out.

WHEREAS, as lawmakers who are tasked to ensure the safety of the public, the fair and equal treatment and protection of the laws should also be practiced. We cannot instill one mandate in sacrifice of another provision of the law. It should work together with all of the laws and be observant of the rights of the people you swore to serve and not mad pillions in your efforts to pass the burden to the public.

WHEREAS, just because the crimes made by these lawless people have chosen to use motorcycles, does not give us, or anybody the right to brand all riders as possible criminals for us or any person to tag them as such with these markings on their body. We are not criminals, stop branding us and profiling us as such. The problem of the crime is not just the problem of the non riding public, it is much more a problem to us, the riders as we are the ones who are now being asked to carry the burden of their heinous acts by being told what we can or cannot wear.

We therefore pray, to the honorable Councilor and the Committee of Councilors of Quezon City, to please look into other alternatives to help ease the issue of crimes done by motorcycle riding criminals. With that said, may we suggest the following:

1. To create a Community Crime Watch program that will involve local motorcycle groups to help aid in the dissemination of information, evidence, photo or video to the right agency in aid of crime prevention and crime solving. To instill fear and deter criminals due to the fact that police, enforcers, tanods and the PUBLIC are all watching out for them.

2. To push for the implementation of modern methods of monitoring the key areas of the city with the use of CCTV or other surveillance systems to bring forth the expedient investigations needed to solve crimes. This includes the public's capacity to use their hand held devices to capture and upload photographic and video evidence to help solve crimes.

3. To push for more police/enforcement visibility so that would be criminals will be deterred by the presence of these anti crime units.

In closing, we are not your enemies, don't make us as such. Instead of pushing our backs to the wall, allow us to help you in programs to ease the burden brought to us by these criminals.

We, and the rest of the riding community who are made aware of these mandates and proposals, willfully submit our cooperation and participation to help you ease the problem of crimes by other means and not with this ordinance.

We therefore submit to the committee, our strong objection to the ordinance proposed and in lieu thereof, we ask that we open our minds and our resources to other alternatives to make this a collaborative effort between the lawmakers, enforcement and the public.

On behalf of all our members, constituents and other road users who make up the millions of Filipino Citizens plying the streets daily, thank you and may God Bless us all!

Jobert Bolanos
Chairman, Motorcycle Rights Organization
President, Motorcycle Advocates of the Philippines

Mission log: Pasig muffler adjudication and courtesy call to TPMO officials...

2012-04-18T10:41:00.001+08:00

RIDE REPORT:

Morning was hot just like any summer day and as usual, I was both excited and scared... Excited that I am about to do the community another service and scared of the outcome or the possibility na makagalitan or mapahiya sa tao...

Arrived in location before 9AM and there were a couple of riders already there... Joined them in waiting for the others and ordered goto with tokwa't baboy as the riders came one by one...

I even went home to get the decibel meter that I forgot and once I got back, we all decided to test our pipes based on the procedure being followed by LTO and QC BPOS...

Mostly passed, some barely and one didn't... Luckily he had a dB eliminator with him... However, and in my personal opinion, even with the dB eliminator, the pipe was still noisy...

Before heading off to Pasig, I was interviewed by UNTV and I also explained the procedure for measuring the noise off a motorcycle... After the interview, we geared up and headed to our destination...

The trip was very hot and had traffic points along the way, but we all got there safely...

Our first destination was the adjudication office as we wanted to go through normal procedure and not take any shortcuts...

In the adjudication office, we filed our cases and complaints with the administrative officer and was given the schedule of April 23 @ 11AM for our corresponding hearings... I gave them the complaint letter and as they were processing our cases, we got into conversation with the people in the office...

They are all in agreement that the lack of process in the apprehension of mufflers is giving them a hard time and stressing them out... I explained to them that this is an easy fix if Pasig would allow us to help them with an IRR and enforcer training to boot... They all wanted the help and has given us tips on who to talk to, where to go and who to look for...

After we received our summons for the hearing, we then decided to go to Dulay's office...

When we got there, we were told that he had just left for a meeting and Edwin was frustrated that we had not gone to him first... I told Edwin that we need to follow procedure rather that going directly to Dulay because I wanted us to get a resolution first before anything else... The visit to Dulay was to bring the same letter we sent last year and just ask him to fix the process which he didn't and had brought the same baseless apprehensions back... If he did it before, he will do it again... And by telling Edwin that the only thing that will prevent the enforcers from not apprehending riders is by putting rubber plugs on their mufflers is simply preposterous... Clearly shows that he does not understand the implications of what is happening... The letter will help clear it out and hopefully, we receive a favorable response soon... But this is not the gist of the ride report, the best out of this ride is coming up...

After having our official statement and letter of appeal received, I then asked for the officer in charge of the blue boys, I was pointed to the office of Asst Chief Victor Barral and Enforcement Chief Phillip Reyes... We caught Reyes as he had just arrived from an operation and spoke to him in his office... Mr. Reyes is a very diplomatic guy and had taken our points and issues like a professional and a gentleman... He listened with intent as I explained that the way apprehensions are being conducted is causing a rift between the riders and the City enforcers... I then told him of our intentions to help the government fix the problem by giving them a copy of the process and offered to train all his enforcers in exchange for the right procedure and application of the law... Without a word, he shook my hand and told me that this is what we have been asking for ever since... I was filled with hope and the sense of accomplishment at this point as we are in the verge of building a relationship with the people were having issues with on the streets...

After the talk, we then showed him an example of the dB meter we had earlier used to test our bikes and gave him a brief explanation as to how it is used... We then headed down stairs for a live demo...

As we reached the enforcer's parking lot, we were so lucky to catch up with Asst TPMO chief Barral who was supervising the apprehension of the enforcers who are in violation of the traffic laws that they are enforcing... Yes, you heard me right, Barral was having his people issue tickets to their very own... Open muffler tickets, no helmet, not registered and so on... It was a bold move and a show of force that I thought we can utilize in fighting this issue...

As we got together, Mr. Reyes told Mr. Barral that we were going to do a demo on the proper procedure of measuring the sound coming out of a muffler... Before showing them how to operate the dB meter, I took the initiative to explain what a noise controlling device is, what the difference is between an open pipe and aftermarket pipe, How the opening at the end of the muffler doesn't matter, and the components of a muffler... At first, the confusion was clearly evident, but after a few explanations, they were able to get that the process is quite simple... The muffler has three basic components that needs to be evident:

1. The main body or canister that has to be free of any damage and air leaks
2. A resonating tube/chamber inside the canister
3. Fibers that insulate the sound emitted by the muffler

We then headed to the process of measurement based on SAE Motorcycle Noise standards and carefully showed them how it is done step by step... After the demo, I explained to both Reyes and Barral that the ordinance is without process, without standard and is aimed at motorcycles only when it clearly states that it is for all motor vehicles... Both of them agreed and declared that the process is needed otherwise, all adjudicated cases will be lost and their people penalized and be given a bad rap... This was the indicator that our mission was a success as these two men are the ones who work with the enforcers directly and give them the orders from up top... They are also in charge of the over all operations and delegation of duties to the blue boys of Pasig...

After a few more items of discussion was completed, Barral and Reyes has told us that they will take this up with the City Council to make the amendment and ask the Mayor to apply the process and procure dB measuring devices for this very purpose... We will then be called up to conduct the enforcer's training on how the devices are used and how the process is done step by step...

We will then be following up with their office from time to time for the status and we will ask them, in the form of a formal letter to put this part of their tasks on hold until we have fixed it... For now, before the order is given out, they need to follow the standing orders from the City Council, but will exempt all those with rubber plugs or dB eliminators, irregardless of the sound so they wont get slammed for not following orders... As soon as they get the council to agree to the solution offered by our organization, the order will then be made to stop it's operation and resume until the process is built, and their people properly trained to apply it...

And that my friends, is how it all went... I believe that we did what we came for, without forcing our way, following the right procedure and talking to the RIGHT people to serve our purpose...

I would like to thank Braggy of UNTV for bringing us the extra media coverage, Edwin Go, our soon to be Director of Public Affairs, all the riders who came and all the volunteers who supported us in their own way...

This mission is a success and we will keep you posted on the updates as they come and hopefully, both Barral and Reyes stands true to their word and we get this issue cleared up and fixed...

To all the riders out there, fix your mufflers, make sure they have fibers, get rid of the really noisy ones and the ones meant for racing or competition use only and let us all work together in making our streets a little more quieter... Let us cooperate with the government and show them that we understand the purpose of what they are doing and let us respect the right of other people to have a more peaceful environment...

We can still us loud pipes and aftermarket mufflers given that we are responsible, courteous and respectful in the use and sound it emits...

Thank you and God Bless us all!!!

***Admins, kindly spread the article to the other sites especially MCP***

To our (MRO/MAP)'s criticts... Induldge us please...

2012-04-06T01:46:00.001+08:00

Woke up and decided to check my FB and came across a picture desecrating an image of a person with a tattoo as "PASAWAY"

Here at MRO/MAP, we do not condemn the "PASAWAY"... We aim to save them... We do not go out and throw dirt at their faces... We hope to help them unlearn the bad habits... We do not crucify them from what they have done to paint negativity on our image, but we want them to learn from their mistakes and make amends...

In that picture, a question was asked... "Is this the type of people that your defending through your rallies?"

Let me make a statement on this...

We do not go out and rally... We go out, peaceful, no intention to block traffic or make people suffer as much as we could... Instead, we are there to spread awareness, knowledge of whats going on and to help them realize what were going through... This is called a peaceful motorcade that has strict mandates of absolute and maximum courtesy to other users... Whether a line breaks or a group is separated, the priority is to get them through when and if they want to... What our "ESCORTS" from the government does, is out of our hands because we have our own marshals... But because they are there, we allow them to take control at their own discretion... We have made it clear though, that any non-courtesy given to the other road users is frowned upon... We do not make or suggest or tell our participants to block traffic, get off of their bikes in the middle of the highway and what not...

Next, we defend everybody... Yes everybody... That includes me, us, them, and even YOU... We defend their rights that are being stepped upon, abused and taken for granted... We defend the rights of the other 95% of riders who do not belong to MRO/MAP, or any GROUP for that matter who has no access to the information, the new laws and whats happening in the riding community... "PASAWAY" or not, we do this for them in hopes that we impart the right way of using their machines, knowing and following the law and hopefully, undoing the wrong notion of being a rider...

Finally, at MRO/MAP, we make sure that we are bound by rules that we do not create on our own... We bind ourselves to what is written... Although we seek clarification, ask questions, provide suggestions, voice out concern and act diplomatically against legislation, rules, ordinances and proposals that prove detrimental to the riders safety and rights, that doesn't mean we are nothing more of an activist group... We have our own set of papers, documents, studies, data, resource material and collected reactions from other groups here and abroad that back up our position... We do not hide incidents, cover up stories, fabricate/create a different outlook when presenting statistics and claim expertise...

So yes, we fight for the "PASAWAY's" rights because, condemning them will not help them... Instead, rescuing them or showing them what is right from wrong, shows that we are riders like them...

We are not here to claim that we are representatives of the community... We are here, simply, to let their voices run through us... Who's voice are you shouting for?

- Jobert Bolanos

Desperation? Depression? Nah... It's just crap...

2012-04-03T23:09:00.001+08:00

No matter how much good you do for other people, there will always be those who think other wise... They will think you are wasting your time, wasting your effort and calling you useless, worthless and spit on your face like you are not worth crap...

Yet these are the people that you do these things for, hoping that what you have done will leave some sort of spec of legacy that you have done something worth being proud of...

Sadly, no matter how much other people are proud of what you do, the ones you had hoped to be behind you and support you on everything are the very people who think your no better than SHIT...

So much for the saying, "you worth is only realized once your gone"

A WAKE UP CALL TO ALL RIDERS:

2012-02-03T15:19:00.001+08:00

Introduction = It is noted that the efforts and intent of the government to help reduce accidents, crime and promote safer roads must applauded however, The design and implementation is somewhat immature. The need to do drastic changes may be warranted, but it must still comply to the provisions of the law to protect those who are affected by the problems and are responsible road users. This topic will discuss the issues surrounding riders and what is being forced on their shoulders for what has become, a regulation frenzy by the different LGU's and the MMDA. What is concerning is that certain provisions of the law are being ignored and worse, violated in the acts being pushed into effect.

What is safe for a motorcycle = Being able to maneuver safely to avoid obstacles, objects and road conditions when and where necessary in a manner that does not affect other vehicles.

Can a motorcycle sharing the road be safe = As long as each vehicle acknowledges the presence of the other, they can use the road in harmony. However, without discipline, the results can vary from risky to chaotic.

Is exclusive MC lanes safe = Only when the speed limits are observed and enforced while the riders are giving each other enough space to maneuver out of danger when it arises
Is non exclusive lanes safe = It is possible if all vehicles follow all the rules and strict enforcement is dealt amongst all road users then road sharing can exist and motorcycles can stay in their lane while sharing it with other vehicles.

What is the problem = Motorcyclists are not the only undisciplined road users out there. The private and most especially the public utility drivers are the same. If equal enforcement is instilled amongst all road users then discipline will carry through all the drivers and riders. Focusing discipline on just the riders will not solve the problem entirely. Instead, while you are creating a disciplined environment for riders, ignoring the drivers puts the riders in harms way. While motorcyclists conform to the rules and the restrictions, having undisciplined drivers that have full access to the blue lanes makes the riders moving targets. Moreover, the proliferation of more uneducated and reckless riders and drivers will continue to grow if the indiscriminate issuance of licenses do not change. So disciplining the riders and drivers will be a very slow process as the numbers continue to grow.

Root Cause Analysis = Allowing riders and drivers to go out on the streets without proper education and screening is like teaching your dog to drive. You will eventually lead him into a higher possibility of getting into an accident. The licensing agency must apply strict and comprehensive testing to all applicants to filter those who are not qualified to be on the road. This will allow the enforcement agency to a more effective enforcement of the rules for traffic and proper road usage as you keep the ratio of road users and enforcers compatible or not over bandwidth.

Supplementary = We have to acknowledge that there are literally thousands if not millions of riders that have no discipline, no respect and no consideration for other vehicles. And that is why the people, especially the non riders are against us and wont see reason or the justification for equality. That is the sad truth. However, it is the sworn duty of the government to be fair, equal and non partisan over any group or individual. But the immense swelling of the road users population has gone out of proportion to what the enforcement can handle. The question is, how do we solve this?

Conclusion = The existing laws must be strictly enforced amongst all road users and the licensing must undergo drastic changes. Only then can a long term solution be reached. There is no other way to prevent the growth of the road users and the corresponding accidents and crimes that happen while using a vehicle. Although the implementation of the, MC lane, mandatory vests or banning of back rides do partial work, it instills segregation, profiling, the passing of the burden of incompetency and discrimination because all other vehicles are now given less attention. The law must apply to all or non at all... And the ends does not justify the means.

Wake up my fellow riders... In order for us to gain the favor of the government, we must help ourselves instill discipline amongst our brethren... Lets do this starting with ourselves.

Then going out to fight for our rights will mean more to us and more effective to our cause...

Thank you!

A message... To the people who call themselves the legitimate riders...

2012-02-02T20:46:00.000+08:00

The ends does not justify the means....

Oo, bumaba ang namatay sa commonwealth... Bumababa din ang dami ng dumadaan dito, bumaba din ang speed limit... pero, ang mga bus at jeep, bumaba din ba ang mga pag pasok at pag cut sa linya ng motor? Pinapansin ba sila? O motor lang ang inaabangan parati? Fair and equal treatment ang nawala dahil ang focus nasa motor... Ilang aksidente na ang naireport ng kapwa natin motorista pero na media blackout ng powers that be... Bakit? The risk is still there... The only reason the accidents went down is because the riders have moved elsewhere, they are doing what they can in avoiding the buses and jeeps, adapting and taking the risk that our restricted movement in the lane has given us... At what cost? Buti sana kung hinhuhuli din mga labas pasok na PUV sa MC lane... Buti sana kung maayos na pinapatupad ang existing na batas ng pantay pantay sa lahat... Hindi yung halos lahat ng attensyon nakatutok na sa mga nag momotor... Sumunod na ang EDSA, sumunod na ang Marikina, sumunod na ang Manila... Bakit? Dahil akala nila, pwede na lang nilang pag tulakan ang motor at mga gumagamit nito... SACRIFICIAL lambs na lang ba tayo? Again, the ends does not justify the means... Hindi porket alam kong masamang tao ang aking kapit bahay ay pwede ko nang ilagay ang batas sa sarili kong kamay at dispatsahin sya... Safety should coincide with the Law... Not sacrifice the law for safety... Now people think they can just ignore whatever right, equality and fair treatment that we deserve as citizens just to have them do something... The root cause of the problem is still being ignored... Indiscriminate licensing and inadequate enforcement practices... Why settle for a band aid solution that does not fix the problem on a larger scale?

Proper screening in licensing, proper education, and proper enforcement is the key to the issues on the road... The ones being implemented now only puts us in a box, treats us like criminals and impedes equal treatment... You say your a rider... Why don't you think like one? Why are we the ones carrying the burden of the people who are responsible for these problems? They swore to protect and make our lives easier, instead, they are passing all the hardship and prejudice on us, the people... Just because we are riders does not make all of us bad people that they have to whip with their sticks of rank and power... There are those who are good, deserving and has the desire to see things change for the better... What kind of change are we going into?

Safety? What is safe about allowing buses and jeeps to cut across, stop in front, and speed behind the riders put us in? I have not even begun to talk about other cars, taxi's, suv's, vans and what not... Safe? The MC lane is a misconception of safety... The numbers you lean on are because the bikes are forced to follow what is being pushed down their throats... If you have the enforcement push the same effort to regulating all vehicles and apprehend all would be violators, the result would be the same if not even better...

I have seen the truth about safety and how a rider accepts risk and deals with it to make himself safe... This is not one of them... In fact, it is detrimental to his safety... bikes are designed to be able to maneuver away from the risk that comes in front, beside and behind him... If you remove even a part of that capability, you in turn increase risk and sacrifice safety... It is through regulation that you control the way they move... Not by restriction or by boxing them in...

And once more, the statistics are being used to misconstrue the truth... Majority of the fatal accidents are caused not during the day when the bikes are filtering through traffic... They mostly happen at night... We have not even gone through the cause and who's at fault in these accidents... Some of them are bikes being run over, side swiped and slammed into by other vehicles which is not even the riders fault... Some are caused by alcohol, drugs, over speeding, road conditions and road rage... Who is to say that all the accidents are the riders fault? Do you have that data?

Again, 3 months of data is not even close to significant on the actual events that transpire... Look at the images and videos that are being shared all over... Ride the lanes during the daytime... Look and see how other vehicles bully bikes in their lanes because they know they cant move out of it... Experience how you continuously lookout and be on the defensive while the other vehicles are being ignored by enforcement... In fact, look at where the enforcement is during your rides on the lanes... Do not ride as a group... Ride alone... Ride like everybody else... Experience, see and feel what it is like... The pictures and videos already show more than enough, but hey, why not see for yourself... I ride these roads regularly... I check and visit the activity of MMDA which is almost non existent a lot of times against the other road users who clearly and deliberately ignore and break the traffic laws while the riders follow what they are forced to follow...

You may think you know, but you don't... Denial is the first defense mechanism against truth... Your statistics still does not justify the means no matter what... And the burden of proof is still out there... Waiting to show it's ugly face... Do we need to wait for somebody to die? And speaking of death, that one person recorded, did he die while being in the lane? How about the covered and unreported accidents that was shared on the internet? Did you know that most of them happened while the riders were in the lane while the rest is when they were trying to get into or out of the lane because of the 100 meter rule?

Because of the trend that started with the MC lane, lawmakers are now using that to apply other laws that segregate, profile, push and discriminate riders and their passengers... Cause and effect... The deadly and sinful fruits of a seed planted by the MC Lane...

Wake up... It's not too late... We must protect our selves from what's taking place in society... Let's not lead the people in power into totalitarian rule... Let's not allow the existing and forgotten rules and regulations be replaced by discriminative ones... The issue is they do not have it within them to enforce what's already there equally amongst all road users...

What will make you see the truth? When will you see the truth? When I say, "I TOLD YOU SO"?

Official position of MRO on the MC lanes: ONE VOICE - ONE STAND!

2012-01-16T11:52:00.001+08:00

Official position of MRO on the MC lanes: ONE VOICE - ONE STAND!

1. We are in favor of the MC Lane only if the infrastructure supports it and the conditions are ideal (Currently, IT IS NOT!)
2. We ask that they focus first on the current issues like the lack of control over PUV's who stop, block, weave and race though the roads without being apprehended
3. To stop the indiscriminate issuance of R1 licenses to unqualified riders
4. To strictly enforce the existing laws and not add new ones that are half baked to say the least
5. To remove all unscrupulous enforcement personnel who cannot do their jobs properly
6. To remove unequal treatment by enforcement on mc riders while other vehicles are being ignored
7. To allow us to be part of any plan or legislative projects for motorcycles
8. To bring back fair and honest treatment of all road users
9. To stop branding all riders as bad, irresponsible and criminals
10. To stop making MC riders money machines on the road

Please take note of number 1: We like the idea... What we don't like is the way it is implemented and the way they designed it without TRULY considering our position and safety. They say it's for our own good, but in reality, they are dictating rules that violate other provisions of the law... They say it's because of the bad apples on the road, but in reality, every class of vehicle has bad apples and just because there are bad riders and drivers does not give them the right to treat everybody else the same... That is undue profiling and that is discrimination...

The ends does not justify the means... One Voice, One Stand!!!

You want a long term solution? Here's a suggestion...

2012-01-13T20:16:00.001+08:00

Smart people with smart answers... I love the way the MC LANE fanboys call their detractors stupid... Hehehe...

Anyway, here is a suggestion...

In one day, I was able to amass more than 500 pictures of violations perpetrated by buses and jeeps on Commonwealth...

That did not even take me more than 3 hours to take them...

Pictures will clearly show plate numbers how they violated the law...

Lets say each violation is worth 300 pesos...

That is 150,000 per day in tickets...

These are all tied up to the vehicle records and each week, they are compiled and sent to the operators... The operators then have a number of days to indicate the drivers info (License no.) and return it back to the MMDA... MMDA then submits the list to LTO with the corresponding photograph stating the bus used, plate number, and license number of the driver during that time... Fees are collected during license renewal... That is step one...

If in case a driver is caught by camera multiple times, his license will be suspended or confiscated with the amount still tied up to his name...

For the operators failure to submit the list of drivers who were caught operating their franchise at the time of the picture was taken, they also suffer a penalty up to franchise suspension for non compliance... This is step two...

150,000 a day for 3 hours in one location is worth 1.5M in 10 locations... 1.5M a day = 45,000,000 in a month for just 10 locations... How many locations are there?

How to make this more effective? HD CCTV cameras... A centralized ops center... Validation and verification of each violation caught is QA'd for fairness... Each violation is tagged with a picture/screenshot for transparency... Violators are protected by a double jeopardy system that allows only one entry at a given time or place... That way, no two ops personnel can tag one driver twice at a given time...

This will definitely create a cloud of discipline over the drivers and would solve the issue of capturing each and every single violation in a system that is tagged, secured and objective rather than subjective...

Each picture must contain the following to be validated:

1. Picture of scenario showing violation
2. Picture of plate number of vehicle (Which is easy now since the body numbers are painted all over the vehicles)
3. Picture showing the face of the driver (HD Cameras are more than capable of doing this)

The drivers can even protest an apprehension if it was not them in the picture... This means the operators made a mistake of putting their license numbers at the time of the incident and incurs a penalty for unscrupulous reporting... This is step three...

This system gives both drivers and operators accountability...

And with that, operators will now instill discipline and responsible driving with their people because each time their bus gets caught, they suffer points which amounts to the suspension of a franchise or a corresponding penalty for not being able to control their people... This is step four...

This system is just half of what it is capable of... Then you can work on the private vehicles... Different set of procedures for them since they are not operators except for company owned vehicles...

Each operator has log book of who is driving their vehicles at a given time and date... So filling the blanks is easy...

And in today's day and age, every business has access to email... If not, then they are sent by snail mail...

Although collections are not immediate, they can easily make that money whenever a driver renews his license...

Then random apprehensions are made on the road with the use of an electronic/wireless gadget that issues tickets to licenses and simultaneously connects to the main server to save them... This is in relation to the ops center so that they don't get tagged with two violations at a given time... Then if there are pending violations for the driver caught by street level enforcers, then their licenses gets confiscated on the spot... When this happens, the vehicle is towed and the operator fined for allowing a delinquent driver to operate their bus or jeep... This is step five...

In one year, this will instill massive change and discipline over all drivers on the streets...

If they dont want it, then the solution is simply...

GAWIN NILA ANG TRABAHO NILA NG MAAYOS AT HULIHIN NILA LAHAT NG VIOLATORS NA MAKIKITA NILA IMBIS NA NAMIMILI SILA NG ORAS AT NG HUHULIHIN NILA...

This is my suggestion...

Rather that spending money on the lane, then intensify operations with the use of technology, imagery and proper process building... Make use of the billions being spent on IT Development which goes no where...

Then, the BILLION PESO skyway over EDSA is no longer needed since the streets will now become more free flowing and the road users more disciplined thus creating a better driving/riding experience for all...

Kaya sa ibang bansa, hindi kailangan masyado ang napakaraming enforcer... Isang traffic cop lang per intersection ok na kasi me support sya ng CCTV... Tapos, 24 hour pa ang operation... Kahit disoras na ng gabi, me nahuhuli pa din... The beauty of night vision CCTV...

All this without creating new laws or implementing new, half baked ideas, impartial and unequal treatment on the street level, and removing all incompetent and corrupt enforcers on the streets...

Ang nangyayari kasi, employ sila ng employ ng mga taong hindi naman kayang gawin ng tama trabaho nila tapos hindi sila nasisita o nabibigyan ng kauukulang diciplinary action...

On the road users side naman, mawawala na ang lagay... Mawawala na ang dahilan, pakiusap o takas... Lahat kasi objective na... Hindi na subjective...

Lahat titino at aayos na ng pag mamaneho sa kalsada...

Sasabihin nilang walang budget?!? Puro nga sila panukala ng kung ano ano tapos sabay implementation... Walang budget?!?

Edi gawin nilang concession agreement with the group who will build the system... Habang kumakalap sila ng fines during the collection, binabayaran ila unti unti yung system at mga tao... Wala pang nilabas na budget...

Now, even without the system in place, hindi naman talaga kailangan ang MC lane kung gagawin lang nila ang trabaho nila ng maayos... Papatuparin ang batas na nakasulat na mula noon at pag iibayuhin nila ang disiplina at tamang aksyon laban sa mga violators...

The system only makes the work a lot faster, simple and effective...

ROI will be made in a matter of two to four years depending on the cost of the system and the problem of undisciplined, and reckless drivers will be solved at the same time...

What say you?!?

I can go on and on with this idea and present this against the MC lane factor that instills segregation, discrimination, unequal treatment from the law and promotes safer roads by the cause and effect that this process can do...

Hindi yung band aid solution na inaabuso lang ng sarili nilang tao at ng mga miron na akala mo kung sinong mga experto sa larangan ng pag momotor... You dont just have to be a rider to understand it... You also need to be a driver... That way, you see it both ways... Over and under... All bases covered...

Bakit hindi nila ito papaboran, Sad to say, in the long run kasi, pag disiplinado na ang tao at mahigpit na ang patakaran, liliit na ang kita nila in the future...

But logically, what better system can you think of than this? MC lane to pass the burden to the road users?!? SCAPEGOAT SYSTEM to run away from their incapacity to do the job right...

PILIPINAS, GUSTO NA KITANG IWANAN...

Pero di ko kayang pabayaan ang mga taong nag kukumahog na mag trabaho upang buhayin ang kanilang mga pamilya sa ganitong systema na niloloko, nililinlang, inaabuso, pineperahan, inaagrabyado at hindi patas na pagtrato sa kanila, sa atin at sa ibang kababayan natin...

Nakakalunkot, pero sino ba ang mag tatanggol sa mga tao kundi tayo rin...

Supporta nyo ang kailangan para maisulong natin ang tamang systema na pag papatupad ng existing na batas, pagiging strikto sa disiplina at pag bibigay ng lisensya at pag bibigay aral sa lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada...

Tulad sa pag asa na binibigay nyo sa amin at sa MAP/MRO, sana maka asa din kami sa supporta ninyo...

Time to Remember, Time to Ride tayo ulit para sa tama, maayos, ligtas at patas na pag papatupad ng batas sa lansangan!!!

EDSA MC Lane... The battle for our rights, safety and equality has a new location...

2012-01-11T15:23:00.001+08:00

TV5 News just came and have sought for our reaction on the recent move to implement the MC lane on EDSA...

As far as we are concerned, we are still in the same position as before...

Just in case they cut the interview short and all that I have said does not come into the interview once they broadcast it, I have mentioned the following:

1. The infrastructure is not ready
2. The MC lane should not be called the MC lane because everybody else is allowed to use that lane
3. Lack of enforcement for the existing laws is what's keeping the problems rampant
4. Lack of proper screening and stricter issuance of licenses allows more and more undisciplined road users on the streets and behind the wheel of a vehicle
5. Creation of new laws isn't the solution, stricter enforcement of the existing ones will put everybody in place
6. Just like anything implemented, once it has taken it's time in the limelight, it is easily forgotten and put aside
7. The intention is not the issue being questioned in fact, we applaud it... It is the part where basic rights, the safety act and the equal treatment that is being ignored for a band aid solution is what bothers us
8. We are clearly being segregated and discriminated by the mere fact that they are willing to sacrifice the provisions of the law that provide fair and equal treatment to all
9. It may have lessened the accidents/incidents involving motorcycles on the areas where the MC lane exist, but has it reduced the over all number or accidents/incidents everywhere else included?
10. They said that their implementing guide was the ordinances issued by QC and Pasay which led to the MC lane in those areas... Does this mean that Makati, Mandaluyong, QC have issued new ordinances for EDSA?
11. Where is the IRR for the MC Lane?
12. Has any document been published?
13. Has all efforts to disseminate information to all motorists been done?
14. The MC lane is not going to solve traffic, accidents and crime... Your only pushing it somewhere else
15. Motorcycles help in reducing congestion on the road by it's ability to filter through traffic... Teaching the riders and regulating the way filtering is done will help reduce incidents involving motorcycles... The MC lane will only make EDSA more congested since you are telling the smaller bikes to line up and to be part of the traffic
16. The lack of control and enforcement on PUV's clearly shows that they are being ignored... Why?!?

The news crew from TV5 has shared images with me and it is already clear that the MC lane in EDSA is on the second lane from the center island... In-between the private lanes...

Although separated from the PUV's, we are still being crossed by other vehicles from the left, right and back... As far as the chairman is concerned, the MC lane is and will not be exclusive to MC's.... Not even semi-exclusive... Then why is it called the MC lane?

Mr. Chairman, if you can easily deploy a hundred men to watch over the Bourne Legacy shooting, why can't you deploy your men to enforce the laws of the streets instead of creating or implementing new ones that clearly ignore, violate and disregards the rights, safety and equal treatment of the people you swore to serve?!?

Case delays... What causes them?

2011-12-01T08:24:00.001+08:00

"Justice delayed is Justice denied"

Maguindanao case... 2 years and still on going...

Jacky Rowena Tiu case... 10 years and still on going...

Edwin Cusit, Johnny Alonzo and Ben Maggudayao case... 16 years and still on going...

Petition against the Motorcycle Lanes... 20 years?!?

In a statement that I once heard before, THE PHILIPPINES is notorious in the world for having the slowest judicial system. The progress of justice is slower than a sloth taking a liesurely stroll. Reasons can be corruption, lazy and cowardly judges, justices and prosecutors, clogged court dockets, and dilatory tactics of the defense.

So what does it take for us to get things going and prevent the abuse of power to rule over the tax payers?

Is the country heading down to a downward spin to it's death? I would say it is with the way things are going, but, we still hope for the best...

We tried being persuaded into the laws, however, when push comes to shove and people refuse to listen to reason, you have to do what's necessary to get them to notice and act on the issue at hand... Hence the filing of the case and TRO against the motorcycle lane...

Now, the justice system is being carefree and moving aimlessly in resolving the case...

Do we have to call on a bigger and worse act of disobedience to get them to listen?

Or do we have to hang up our gloves and give up on a loosing battle against the know it all's in the government?

Honestly, I don't mind fighting the fight, but when there is a clear and rampant display of totalitarian influence over the public, then what should or could we do to get them to stop sitting with their thumb up their asses and work for the salaries that our hard earned taxes give to them?

I've tried diplomacy, media, pushing my self into the room, the other sectors of the government that does nothing else except endorse you to another sector, filing a petition, calling them out in a rally and so on... Results? NADA!

So what do we do now? Who do we turn to? What comes next after all of this?

Answer: We just keep trying... Sad, but true...

Time to Remember, Time to Ride!!!

2011-11-08T05:33:00.002+08:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Final Ride Destination, Rules and Regulations and Agenda:

WHAT: Time to Remember, Time to Ride

When: November 13, 2011

Where: Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite

Group 1 (Main): SM City Fairview Parking Lot (Back area)

Group 2 (Sub): Petron Macapagal avenue

Assembly Group 1: 5:00AM

Assembly Group 2: 6:00AM

Takeoff Group 1: 5:45 – 6:00 AM SHARP

Takeoff Group 2: 6:45 – 7:15 AM (Will gear up and roll out before group one reaches Taft)
Press Conference: To be held upon arrival at the Aguinaldo Shrine

Route:

SM Fairview

Belfast Road

Mindanao Avenue (Neopolitan in Novaliches)

Commonwealth

QC Circle

East Avenue

EDSA (Left at GMA)

Quezon City

Mandaluyong City

Makati City

Pasay City

Macapagal Avenue (Merge with Group 2)

NAIA Road

Imelda Avenue

Ninoy Aquino Avenue

SM City Sucat

C5 Extension Road

Quirino Avenue

Molino Boulevard

Daang Hari

Open Canal

A Bonifacio

General Trias Dr.

Marseilla

Magdiwang Hwy

Tirona Hwy

General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

Rules and Regulations for Motorcycles:

1. Should be registered and all papers should be brought.

2. All lights (headlight, signal light brake light) should be working and in compliance with the law.

3. Should have a working muffler.

4. Should be free of leaks.

5. Should have a working horn.

6. Should have side mirrors.

7. Should have a side stand.

8. Road worthy tires, properly inflated and checked for possible nails and cracks.

9. Fuel must be filled prior to assembly.

10. Cooling system checked (Engine fan and water for liquid cooled bikes).

11. Brake systems should be checked.

12. Suspension should be checked.

13. Chain and drive belt should be checked.

14. Liquids should be checked (brake fluid, coolant, oil level, etc).

15. No blinkers and wang wang.

16. No flags, banners or posters depicting protest for anything.

17. Flag poles, antennas should be secure.

18. No firearms, sharp blades or objects or deadly weapons.

Rules and Regulations Riders for Riders:

1. Should wear a MOTORCYCLE helmet with a strap and visor or eye protection when visors are not available.

2. Should wear closed shoes (No crocks, slipons, sandals, flipflops, etc.).

3. Long sleeves (jersey, jacket, poloshirt, long sleeve shirt, arm stockings, etc).

4. Should wear gloves for riding.

5. Long pants (jogging pants, slacks, jeans, riding pants, etc).

6. Must be licensed for Restriction 1.

7. Must NOT be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

8. Properly hydrated and moderately full.

9. No children below 9 years old allowed on this ride.

10. 1 backride only.

11. All backrides should comply with the rules stated above except for #6.

Although it is not a requirement of law to wear long sleeves and long pants, we STRONGLY encourage everybody to be on their best gear for rides. We have to show that we are responsible and dedicated enough to be prepared for riding. SAFETY and PROTECTION is one of the keys

Rules and Regulations for the Ride

1. Discipline, Safety and Courtesy should be exercised at all times.

2. Stay on formation always.

3. No passing unless signaled to.

4. No speeding (maintain the speed limit even when catching up with the group).

5. Follow and adhere to the ride pace.

6. No stopping on the middle of the road except for traffic and stop lights.

7. Watch for hand signals (Will be briefing everybody on the assembly and will provide pictures at the end of this post).

8. Maintain 2 bike lengths between bikes.

9. Do not honk your horn unnecessarily.

10. Allow other vehicles to cross between the formation smoothly and without sudden change of speed. Remember, we do not own the road.

11. Indicate potholes, humps, water, dirt, sand, rocks, debris, roadkill with your foot pointing to it.

12. When a hand signal is given, do the same to inform the others in the formation.

13. In case the formation gets split, do not panic or chase after the lead group. Maintain your pace and relax. Allow a ride marshal to go in front of your group to lead.

14. Never ride side by side. Always maintain a staggered formation unless signaled to go single file.

15. Red ribbons will be provided for on the day of the ride. Install the ribbon on your left side mirror without hindering the operation of your motorcycle.

16. Smile to the other road users J.

Rules and Regulations for the Assembly and Landing Zones:

1. Do not leave your trash behind. ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING!

2. Inspect your parking zone before parking.

3. Inspect your parking area before leaving.

4. Follow the Marshal’s instructions at all times.

5. No alcoholic beverages or drugs in the assembly and landing zones.

6. Be at your best behavior at all times. No rowdiness or un necessary noise during assembly and during the landing points.

7. Do not speak to media or enforcement anytime during the ride. Allow the organizer and officials of the ride to do this. This is to avoid miscommunication and misrepresentation that can ruin the purpose of the ride. Comments made by non officials will be considered as personal opinion and will not be considered as an official statement from the group. Your comments, suggestions and opinions will be collected below this thread and will be presented together with the organizer’s official position paper.

8. Please observe the margin of safety when taking pictures and video in these areas.

9. Do not be afraid to approach any of the officials and marshals if you need assistance or would like to ask something.

10. Please watch your belongings. The organizer will not be responsible for loss or damage to personal property.

Weather and Road Conditions

Inclement weather can be disruptive and discomforting. If the weather is too severe, take

shelter. Be extra cautious when rain first begins to fall. The road is slickest at that time. Avoid riding on the “glossy” (oil stained) area of the road at all times, but especially during or after a rain. Stones on the road are dangerous…be careful. Gravel behaves like ball bearings on a hard surface. Avoid potholes when you can safely do so. Potholes can damage bike rims and cause accidents. Signal others with your heel pointing down at road hazards.

Mechanical/Electrical Problems

Mechanical/electrical breakdowns can happen to any motorcycle. Someone will be designated to help, or have someone with a tool kit and cell phone stop to help the problem motorcycle outside of Metro Manila only. While within Metro Manila, you are responsible if you encounter bike problems that require you to stop. Other riders should continue the run.

Accidents

In the event of an accident, pull over with the group. Do not panic stop or rush to the scene.

This may cause more problems. Do not move an injured person or remove their helmet. Do not allow a tow truck to take the downed bike. Locate a safe place to leave the motorcycle until a motorcycle hauler can pick it up.

Security and Parking

Participants in a ride may be required to watch motorcycles (if necessary) for a short time, in pairs. When parking, the leaders should direct the bikes to an area out of the traffic pattern. No one wants their bike side swiped or damaged by passing vehicles. Leaving a parking area should be done

with caution, and consideration of others exiting… blockers may be needed to promote safe egress.

Law Enforcement

If the police or enforcers stop the group, the Spearhead should lead the group to a safe place. Riders should stay in formation (by or on their motorcycle). Allow the officer come to you. The Spearhead should be the only one who approaches the officer and should promptly identify him/herself.

Responsibility

A group, organization, or club is not responsible for accidents, injuries, thefts, etc. Each individual is responsible for any violation of the law. Riders ride at their own risk.

The group should meet before and during the ride regularly to pass along information. If you do not understand something, get clarification.

Experienced riders should get to know riders with whom they are riding. Encourage new riders to be cautious and to ride at the group pace…not unsafely or beyond their personal comfort level.

The group should ride to their destination in formation. If a motorcycle does not wish to stay with the group at the end or during the ride, wait until all bikes are parked before leaving the group.

If you leave your place in the group, re-enter at the rear, in front of the rear Ride Captains.

Riding in an unsafe manner with a group should not be tolerated. The safety of the group is everyone's responsibility. It is a rider’s obligation to report noncompliance of any group-riding rule to a Spearhead or Sweeper… a life may depend on it. Showoffs and hot rods should not ride in a group.

Know and ride by these rules, or do not ride with a group.

Safe riding is a group priority.

Relevant Questions:

What is a safety cushion?

What is the three (3) second rule?

What makes an experienced rider?

How often should you look in your mirror?

How should a Sweeper handle a safety violation?

Is it better to ride in a large group, or several smaller groups with an equal share of experienced riders?

Who is in charge of the ride, and where is the destination (and stops)?

For Ride Marshals, Spearheads and Sweepers:

1. Refelctorized vests is mandatory. If you don’t have one, borrow or just ride with the group and let others do the duty of controlling the ride.
2. Use cellphone headsets for communication purposes. The important numbers to call will be provided for.
3. Install “Marshal” flags on your bikes. Make sure it is secure and will not hinder the operation of your motorcycle.
4. Marshalls must be in the assembly area on or before 4:45AM (Group 1) and 5:45AM (Group 2) for the last pre-ride briefing.
5. No “lagare” style of controlling the group. You must be in formation also.
6. Break away from formation only when necessary (traffic assistance, rider/bike problem, switching from marshal to temporary spearhead, etc.).
7. Traffic marshalls will be with the spearhead and will break off to allow the group to follow through an intersection or to warn other vehicles of the group.
8. Going back to your original position must be done with utmost respect to other vehicles and without over speeding. Be a good example to others.
9. Do not block other traffic when un necessary. We do not own the road. Share it.
10. Assist the other vehicles trying to cross the line. Move in towards the vehicle who has the intention to cross the line and slowly guide the ride group to slow down and allow the other vehicle to cross. Then move into the temporary spearhead position and slowly allow the group to catch up with the lead group.
11. Group 2 will join in from the rear of group 1.
12. Assist in the launch and the egress points.
13. Assist in arranging parking properly.
14. Assist in cleaning up the area where we assemble.
15. Assist ride participants when you can and direct them to the ride officials when needed.
16. Be courteous and smile to all riders as well as other road users J.

Marshal Groups:

Lead group: RFAC (Ride for a Cause)

Sub group 1: NOS (Nouvo Owners Society)

Sub group 2: Team MCP (Marilaque Club of the Philippines)

Sub group 3: RCP (Rouser Club of the Philippines)

- These groups were carefully selected and we would like to ask everybody to respect the marshals, spearheads and sweepers and follow their instruction. If you feel that they have gone beyond their capacity and would like to report it, please don’t hesitate to approach the ride officials listed below.

Secretariat: LMV (Las Marias Viajeras)

- Please look for the pretty ladies of LMV and sign up on the waiver forms when you arrive at the assembly points and the petition document at the end of the ride.

Ride Organizers: MRO (Motorcycle Rights Organization)

MAP (Motorcycle Advocates of the Philippines)

H.E.L.M.E.T. (Help Encourage Lawful Motorcycling Environment Together)

Ride Officials: Jobert Bolanos (MRO/MAP) Group 1 lead

Martin Misa (H.E.L.M.E.T.) Group 2 lead

Ed Tortona (RFAC)

Speedmaniac (RFAC)

Pogikazz (RFAC)

Jiggy (MAP)

Others to be added and announced as needed...

Agenda:

General Purpose of the Ride:

To remind every rider of their main purpose and their reason for riding, may it be a hobby, a passion, a way of life or one’s means to commute. We share the roads with not just fellow riders, but other vehicles and pedestrians as well. How we must maintain discipline, safety and responsibility for our property and when we take on the roads with our motorcycles. How we must be prepared to accept and acknowledge the problems and do our part in helping out in fixing these problems. How we must embrace change and help instill it with every single rider out there.

Facing Reality:

With the rampant growth of the motorcycle population, the government is facing a very difficult and challenging issue. They have to maintain control and keep our roads safe for everybody who uses it. This is not an easy task and our cooperation is imperative to ensure that the measures being done are carried out properly and equally amongst all road users. We must understand that being on the road is not a right, but a privilege. However, we all have the right to achieve that privilege by proving ourselves worthy of the licenses we all carry with us.

Simply put, we have issues surrounding motorcyclists and we have to accept and acknowledge these issues first and foremost. Starting from ourselves, we must practice the proper behavior and discipline on the road and share that with our fellow riders as much as we can. Once we have done what we need to do within our own ranks, we then help the government by being good examples on the road. This is your simple monkey see, monkey do scenario.

However, we are facing legislative issues where our rights are being taken for granted. We must remind the law makers and enforcers to respect and adhere to constitution and the rights granted to us as citizens of the country. We must help them get back to the right path and offer our knowledge and cooperation when necessary and maintain the status quo on the laws that govern all of us. We must report those who enforce and break the laws at the same time so that they can clean up their own ranks as we clean ours.

Official Position Statement:

With that said, we are here not to file protest or regress towards them but, we are here to remind them that we have rights and that we humbly ask them to enforce the existing laws instead of creating new ones. To ask them to follow the old procedures and apply the strict implementation of the existing laws and procedures before and after we acquire our licenses. To let them know that we are here to offer our assistance and cooperation in getting everybody, private, public or government back on the right track. To help remind everybody to adhere to the Constitution and Bill of Rights that guide us all. To help in letting everybody know that we must work together and not against each other. To help remind every single road user to respect others to be respected. To remind everybody that we have rights as they have theirs.

So in the essence of unity and change, we call on every rider to be part of this era to help provide safer roads and equal treatment for all road users. To provide support and offer suggestions during consultation for projects aimed at safety and law and order. To unite the community and advocate discipline, safety and equality for all road users. To show the world that not all riders are irresponsible, careless, undisciplined, criminals and a nuisance on the road. That we can share the road and respect all those who do the same.

And with that said and put aside, let us now start with the long road ahead by stating our opinions and suggestions for the government below. Everything will be compiled and be presented to them when we are given the opportunity to do so. Please keep your posts relevant and diplomatic. The use of profanity and jargon will not be tolerated. If there are questions to be asked, please keep the answers relevant and avoid side comments.

Let me start:

I ask the government to bring back the tight screening of license applicants from the written test and practical exam.

I also ask the enforcement to apply strict enforcement of the existing laws and adhere to them as well.

And finally, i ask the government to create a re-education and information drive that teaches all riders, drivers and pedestrians about the traffic laws, defensive driving/riding, discipline, courtesy and keeping safe on the roads.

We are in need of the ff:

1. 2 Bullhorns
2. Backup vehicle/s (pickup or mini truck)
3. Contacts from the Kawit local government and Police force

If you can provide any of the stuff listed above, please contact me as soon as humanly possible.

09217754388

YM: gmtrueno
Skype: gmtrueno

Thank you!