We have shown our strength before... Time to show it again... This time, to the Senate...

In a privilege speech by Senator Gordon a few days ago, he has called upon the revival of the number plates on helmets. In addition to this, he is also proposing that the helmets be color coded as well.

This has come to our attention and just like the MMDA proposal that was met by full force and was completely put away by the community, we would like to do the same once more to the proposal that Senator Gordon that this bill be enacted.

We have been branded and profiled as criminals and we should not allow this anymore. The discrimination is just too much. They have put the burden on us so many times already that they cannot or will not even face the hard truth of where the problem truly lies.

We cannot allow them to turn a blind eye on where their failures are and we cannot let them put the burden on our shoulders. It is time to show them that we are also human beings with rights and the capacity to make things happen.

I have initiated the calling out for a just and fair chance to be heard and be treated properly by writing a letter and sending it to the Senators email and office physically.

Here is the letter:

Dear Senator Gordon,

As a Filipino citizen, I would like to take this opportunity to address your latest speech in the senate and shed some light as to how the motorcycle community feels about your ideas and beliefs particularly towards the people on bikes.

Why take the burden off the shoulders of the policemen and place it on the riders? You have already noted on your speech that the problem lies with the police force and your recommendation is to put a choke hold on the riders?

Isn't that a tad discriminatory and anti human rights? You say that since we are already entailed to wear helmets makes your suggestion no different? Excuse me Mr. Senator but, I beg to disagree. We buy helmets to protect our selves from possible fatal injuries and not to be vandalized by such ideas. How about people who owns more than one motorcycle. Do they have to buy a helmet for each one they own? I find that highly illogical and coming from a supposedly logical person, I cannot help but scratch my head with this idea.

As a public figure, you have blatantly shown discrimination and undue profiling on every motorcycle rider who only wishes to save money by going economical, use bikes for their livelihood, use bikes to enjoy the roads and most importantly, use their bikes because of their freedom to do so.

You mentioned in your speech that there has been several heinous crimes, including that of your father, then directly relate it to motorcycle riding hoodlums. Does that automatically give you the right to profile each and everyone of us as possible criminals? Just because we ride a motorcycle does not mean that we are targets that you can shoot on anytime you like. Why not aim your blazing guns at where the real problem is. You've already pointed out who they are anyway. If they would only do a better job then there wouldn't be any need for all this finger pointing and malicious branding of individuals.

Criminals are born criminals. They will do the act no matter what it takes. Putting a choker on motorcyclists will not help solve the problem of stopping these criminals you speak of. They will merely find a way to go around your ridiculous concepts and complete the task that they are need to do to complete the crime.

The focus should be pointed in finding ways on how the PNP, LTO and the community of riders can work together in reducing or solving these problems. Instead of treating US as the problem, why not bring us to the table and lets discuss alternatives where all of us concerned can work together. Leaving us out of the picture and turning every single rider as a possible criminal as you so blatantly describe in you speech is completely unfair and entirely distasteful.

So, before you put a burden on our 4 million motorcyclists and other stake holders affected around the country instead of addressing the main source of the problem, think again. We, who pay our taxes through the purchase of our machines and the gas we put in our tanks would not want to call you an anti-motorcycle public figure. Not when 2010 and the elections coming up.

Sincerely,

Jobert Bolanos
Motorcycle Rights Organization

You can read more about the issue here:

http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153326

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A few months back, the LTO... Now, the PNP...

It's been a while since the blog has been updated and I am sorry for that. After our work presented positive results in the AO issue with the LTO, the organization decided to keep the curtains down while we worked silently on a few projects concerning motorcycle rights.

We have made inquiries and have sent letters of concern over the parking issues and road hazards to the people concerned and have been continuously monitoring the LTO for any unscrupulous movements.

In the most recent couple of weeks, we have been bombarded with some alarming news about a certain shootout in Paranaque which lead to the death of a father and child who was mistaken as part of the target. This also lead to the shootout of an individual who was on his way to his night shift work just because he was riding a motorcycle and wearing a black jacket.

The incident, has again brought concern to the MRO so we are again mounting up and letting our voices be heard.

We are calling on the people who can help us get in contact with the families of the victims of the PNP's failure to properly conduct their service to the people. We would like them to partake in the plan to hold another peaceful motorcade which will end up with an offering of a mass for the victims and their families. We also hope to raise a small amount which will be offered to them for their losses.

So again, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for the silence and call upon our readers to heed our call for support once again. We cannot and will not allow the PNP or any other person to brand and profile us as criminals just because we ride motorcycles.

We call on justice for the bloody murder and obvious and blatant display of discrimination towards motorcycle riders.

Thank you!

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Our efforts have finally paid off... Suspension order released...

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/leimags/LTOsuspension.jpg

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LTO opens it's doors and finally listens... The September 30 detailed report by MRO

5:00 AM – September 30

I just finished speaking to one of my clients here at work when I began to review all the documents I have for today's review of AHS-2008-015. At this point, I was already feeling the effects of the past month's work as it slowly take it's toll on my body. I find it hard to control my urge to fall asleep while at work. At a certain point, I even told myself that I wanted to just go home and sleep it off. And let the others who will attend the review update me when I wake up. Then it struck me, I cannot and will not let this day pass even if my life depended on it. So I continue reading my documents.

7:00 AM

Stood up, grabbed my bag and logged out. I was getting groggy and could hardly keep my self up. Before proceeding to the basement, I got my self a can of Mountain Dew to perk myself up a bit. I slugged the can in one straight whiff and geared up. Started my motorcycle and exited the building. It was a very bright sunny morning. I took my usual route out of Galleria onto EDSA. The traffic was pretty light and the vehicles on the streets were not so many. I arrived in LTO in less than 20 minutes. As I parked my bike, I told myself that a good breakfast at the LTO canteen should perk me up. So I walked towards the back of the compound only to find the old canteen building in rubbles. I was somewhat dismayed by the fact that I couldn't feed myself before the review. So I walked back to my motorcycle feeling depressed due to the absence of food.

Before reaching the motorcycle, I texted the MRO gang and told them of my demise. First one who called me was Jake. Told him the situation so he asked what I wanted and he will just buy along the way. Wooot! Jake to the rescue! As I sat down on my motorcycle waiting for familiar faces to arrive, I saw a few official vehicles pass by. AAP, NLEX, and DOTC went through the parking space. Wow! The government is in full force!

At about 10minutes to 8, Jake and his wife passed and ASTEK was following closely behind. Afetr ASTEK parked his bike, we had a smoke before we went up the main LTO building to meet Jake. Alas! Food! Jake was kind enough to buy me a McDonalds' sandwich and a hash brown with OJ!. It felt good having to put something in my stomach. It helped a lot in keeping me up during the entire proceedings.

8:15 AM

We were told to enter the EDU hall and sign the attendance sheet. I finished my drink and disposed of the cup. I immediately got my documents out in preparation for the review which we anxiously waited for the start of the show. While waiting, the guy at the pc, played a movie for everyone to see. I believe it was 2 Fast 2 Furious.

9:40 AM

After almost two hours of waiting, Suansing and Daisy Jacobo walked in the hall with Congressman Teves from Dumaguete. They immediately went to business and started the review. As per MS. Jacobo, they already have the results of their technical working group from the LTO. So we patiently watched for them to start the presentation.

As the presenter read the topics on their study, I then realized that a lot of what she said was within the document we sent over to DOTC and Suansing last September 22. Did they use the document? I guess I will never know however, a part of me thinks that the documents were actually considered. Due to the similarities in what was being shown to us, I felt a lot more secured and hopeful since they actually considered our work and used it as a basis for their summary of September 10's workshop.

First on the Agenda was the 2 license plates. The presentation prepared showed that the provisions in making the plate was too much for the LTO to handle and that the manufacturers really have no set design or standard as to the placement of a plate in front. Also, no-one was willing to shoulder it's cost. After a few reactions from the other people in the meeting, It was then stressed that the proposal wasn't created by the LTO rather, it was the PNP who wanted the provision. The verdict was, and direct from ASEC Suansing was, they will not implement nor even endorse the proposal. A warm round of applause was given out for the announcement.

We then moved on to the AO. The first hit was the the term “Rider” was established and that it had to replace the “driver” which was put on the AO. The next agenda was to change the Accessories like the headlight, break light, horn and side mirrors should be tagged as Standard equipment/parts needed for a motorcycle. With that said, It was agreed upon and will be corrected on the submission of another AO that amends the AHS-2008-015.

Next up was the issue regarding pillions on bikes or for lack of a better term, the passengers. Congressman Teves strongly opposed the bannig of habal habal on the roads of Visayas and Mindanao. He told the LTO that the people who operate Habal Habal motorcycles should be allowed to carry 2 of mored jackets while driving within their municipality and to dis allow them on national highways. This will be under further studies until a decision is made.

Now, we focused on the helmets. It was discussed that the need for everybody to wear helmets is a must. When Ms. Jacobo called on the representative of DTI to explain their position, they mentioned that by November 1, will start the total ban of helmets that do not , they will start going around stores to see if the helmets are upon standard. Although they cannot apprehend people on the streets, the DTI told everybody that they have decided to use ECE 22.05 as the Philippines standard helmet. However, since visiayas and mindanao is not aware of this and the availability of the helmet is weak, it was decided upon that for now, while DTI and LTO has not drawn a consensus on the helmets, Any helmet that has the 4 complete parts should be allowed but only until 2013. These parts are the outer shell (Polycarbon, Fiberglass or plastic.), the inner core which is primarily made with Styrofoam, the lining or paddings and the strap. These components should be available in all helmets that will be allowed for the mean time. So for now, what is not allowed are the baseball hat helmets, Construction helmets, “Kaldero” types and bicycle helmets as these are not intended for us on the streets. So now, the mandatory helmet law shall remain but only based on what was agreed upon. You must wear you helmets all the time to avoid being harrassed by “NEEDY” policemen or enforcers. This will be irregardless of it's manufacturer or standard rating.

As for the other protective devices, We talked about the shoes of rider. It has been agreed upon that the LTO will come out with a resolution as to what the the shoes cover. As long as you use “closed toe” shoes, you should be ok. To simplify, No Helmet and No Shoes will be subject to apprehensions. As for jackets and pants, there will be no provision to make them into a regulated issue. So, the AO that covers protective devices shall be suspended on the areas of jackets, pants and rain gear. The mandatory helmet and shoes shall be observed on a national level. In 5 years, everybody needs to change their helmets into the right standard that LTO will recommend.

During the conversations, Macky Carapiet of NAMSSA played a major role in explaining about the different standards and how the LTO should allow the readily available helmets for street use so that we can ensure the use of the devices and until the time set by the LTO which is in 5 years. Thank you Macky for your help on this one!!!

The following topic was also crucial since a lot of people will be affected. For cargo and luggage carriers again, Macky Carapiet played a major role by providing info as to the dimensions allowed on the motorcycles. During the defense of Jake on the issue, It was established that the apprehending officers has no means on how to measure the weight of the cargo on the motorcycle. So, as long as the dimensions do not go beyond 2 feet from the side of the motorcycle and do not go beyond the top of the head of a rider in a sitting position, this shall be allowed for now. So the Carriage and Saddle Bag provisions is suspended.

And now, for the crucial part of the entire review. It has already been established that the RA 4136 is the main source of information that we used and we got several excerpts for famous riders here and abroad. The modification on a motorcycle. A lot of people shared their opinions on this and it was agreed upon that the inspection will be done during registration but the enforcers will have the right to apprehend based on the following criteria only: Headlight, stop/brake lights, signal light, horn and rear view mirrors. All the items mentioned shall be based on whether it works or not and it follows the provisions stated on RA 4136.

These are the basic guidelines based on the comments and suggestions from the community as well as the MRO's stand:

Tires

— Motorcycle tires meant for road use

— No competition tires (Slicks)

Excerpts:

— As per RA 4136, Article IV, Section 34, Letter (A): Tires of motor vehicles. - No motor vehicle with metallic tires shall be operated upon any public highway, and solid tires whenever used shall be of sufficient thickness to prevent the metal rims thereof from coming in direct contact with the road.

Brakes

— Brake Rotors

— Caliper

— Drum Brakes

— Hydraulic brake hose

— Brake levers

— Brake master cylinders

— Every component must work properly and must be free from leaks, loss of pressure and all the cables and hoses should be properly installed and be free from damage or interference.

Horns

— Should not be sirens or make equivalent tones used by emergency vehicles

Excerpts:

— As per RA 4136, Article IV, Section 34, Letter (B-1): Every motor vehicle shall be provided with a horn or signalling devise in good working order: Provided, however, That no horn or signalling device emitting an exceptionally loud, startling, or disagreeable sound shall be installed or used on any motor vehicle.

— All authorized emergency vehicles, such as ambulance and police cars and fire wagons used for emergency calls shall be equipped with a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle of a type approved by the Commissioner, and no such device shall be installed or used in any other vehicle.

Lights or Lamps

— Lights (head, brake, license plate light, auxiliary lights, signal lights)

— Headlights

— Front lights can only be white or yellowish in color

— Low beam should be adjusted so that it doesn’t create glare to other road users

— Front lights should be angled properly

— The headlamp assembly should have the ability to properly diffuse the light beam in a way that doesn’t cause glare for other road users. Granted that there are bikes that use HID conversion kits in assemblies not meant for use with an HID system, they can create unnecessary glare for other road users. The conversion must not create unnecessary glare on low or high beam

— This might be a viable compromise for HID conversion kits, which could allow them to be used with the motorcycles. A study of stock headlamps might be useful for determining this.

— Brake lights

— Tail and brake lights should be red

— Should be clearly visible from 50 meters or 164 feet away

— Taillights or license plate lights

— Should illuminate the plates at night

— Auxiliary lights

— As long as it does not create glare to other road users.

— The use of auxiliary lights of motorcycles is questionable, but you could view the installation of auxiliary lights like this; since motorcycles are difficult to spot in the daytime, it can be safely assumed that they are harder to spot at night and auxiliary lights assist in making them easier to notice. An important guideline can be put in a way that they should not create conflicting messages when used with the tail light, brake light, signal lights.

Excerpts:

— As per RA 4136, Article IV, Section 34, Letter (F): Motorcycle and other vehicle lights. - Every motor vehicle of less than one meter of projected width shall be subject to the preceding provisions of this section, except that one headlight and one taillight shall be required. No signal light shall be necessary.

— Additional lamps may be carried provided they comply with the preceding provisions of this section.

— Every motor vehicle, or whatever style, kind, make, character, or nature, when upon a highway during the hours above-mentioned, whether in motion or not, shall have one or more lights so arranged that the same shall be visible at least fifty meters from the front and the rear of such vehicle.

Mufflers

— We should establish an acceptable limit to the sound emitted by the mufflers.

— This requires further study and must be taken up with the proper agency governing emissions on vehicles.

Excerpts:

— As per RA 4136, Article IV, Section (J): Mufflers. - Every motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall be equipped with a muffler, and whenever said motor vehicle passes through a street of any city, municipality, or thickly populated district or barrio, the muffler shall not be cut out or disconnected. No motor vehicle shall be operated in such a manner as to cause it to emit or make any unnecessary or disagreeable odour, smoke or noise.

Licence plates

— Should be mounted at the tail section of the motorcycle.

— Should be illuminated at night.

— Should not have any thing on top of it that may distort, create glare when hit by a light source and a reflection when looking at it in an angle.

Excerpts:

— As per RA 4136, Article III, Section 18: Section 18. Use of number plates. - At all times, every motor vehicle shall display in conspicuous places, one in front and one in the rear thereof, the said number plates.

— The number plates shall be kept clean and cared for, and shall be firmly affixed to the motor vehicle in such a manner as will make it entirely visible and always legible.

Freight, cargo, carriages and saddles

— Should be unregulated as long as the cargo weight, location, stability and dimension complies with the carrying capacity of the motorcycle

Excerpts:

— As per the Vienna Convention for Road Traffic, Article 30, Section 1: If a permissible maximum mass is laid down for a vehicle, the laden mass of the vehicle shall never exceed the permissible maximum mass.

— As per RA 4136, Article III, Section 32: Exceeding registered capacity. - No person operating any vehicle shall allow more passengers or more freight or cargo in his vehicle than its registered carrying capacity.

— As per RA 4136, Article II, Section 10, Letter B: To operate a motor vehicle with any part of the load extending beyond the projected width of the vehicle.

Side view mirrors

— Two mirrors are required that is mounted on each handlebar and must be effective in providing the rider with a view of the vehicles behind him.

Suspension (front fork/rear shocks)

— A common reason why suspension is changed or modified is to improve the handling and manoeuvrability of the motorcycle. It helps the rider in terms of comfort and stability on the road. It also gives certain bikes the look that the rider is after. And there are cases that suspension is changed to fit the use of the bike.

— Adjustment of the suspension is also made to accommodate riders who are vertically challenged.

Stereo

— Should be operated at an acceptable level/volume only.

— There are motorcycles that came out of the manufacturers with stereo systems already installed.

The following items have been subjected to scrutiny but have no viable data and statistics to say that there are known adverse effects to handling and safety. They are usually aesthetic in nature. Some have been known to improve the way the bikes perform.

— Rear sets

— Adjusts the weight distribution of the motorcycle to make it more manoeuvrable in turning.

— Increases ground clearance.

— Clip ons/handlebars

— Helps in steering the motorcycle.

— We have not heard the reasons as to why clip ons are dangerous.

— Swing arm

— Specifically, what modifications on swing arms make it dangerous?

— Rims/alloy wheels

— Changing the material improves the strength of the wheel in general.

— Widening the wheels allow the use of tires with superior construction and compounds.

— The lighter materials used in the construction of the wheels or rims reduce un-sprung weight making it easier to steer the motorcycle and improve fuel economy.

— Fender eliminators

— Does nothing to affect the safety and handling of a motorcycle.

— Seats and seat covers

— This is purely aesthetic. No effect whatsoever.

— Instrument panel

— How does this affect safety and handling?

So basically, the above document was considered by the LTO. In fact, even Ms Jacobo herself wants a copy of the said document. Initially, this is the framework of our previous presentation that we worked on to enhance some more. After establishing that creating the proper guidelines and itemized list of components that will be deemed illegal for public road use will take more study and time, The people requested that the regulation on modifications be suspended. This was agreed upon by ASEC Suansing and the crowd cheered and clapped upon hearing all this.

Near the end of the meeting, Ms Jacobo enumerated the following for action, an issuance of a memoratorium or an amended AO effective immediately to suspend the following:

1. The suspension and non-endorsement of the second plate.

2. Allowing the Habal Habal to operate in provinces given that they do not cross national highways between towns.

3. Allowing more than one passenger as long as the volume of vehicles in that town is at an acceptable volume. Traversing between towns will not be allowed for more than 1 passengers.

4. The suspension of the regulation of the standard in helmets. Although made mandatory, as long as the helmet being used is specific for motorcycles.

5. The suspension on the regulation on apparel until they come up with a provision for the required shoes for riding.

6. The suspension on the ruling on carrying cargo. The current suggestion is to allow people to carry cargo based on weight, volume, stability and the location of the cargo.

7. The suspension of the regulation on modifications pending further review and study with the LTO and the Manufacturers.

We are trying to become part of number 7 so that we can give them insights and suggestions before they pass their recommendations to ensure that our opinions are taken in.

At the end of the day, all groups converged and acted as one to give out their recommendations for the amendment of the AO in question. We are happy to have been welcomed and our proposals considered by all the concerned parties. In this meeting, we showed the LTO that we are all after the same goals.

We had a few photo ops with Congressman Teves and ASEC Suansing before we packed up. During the photo op with the Congressman, we established communications with him and will continue to work with him from here on in. He has acknowledged our group and has given me his assurance that they will be in touch when they create the proposal to amend RA 4136.

All in all, it was a good day for all and it was extremely satisfactory. Although we still have a very long way to go and more meetings to attend, at least we have established the direction that we all want to go towards to.

I wish to thank everybody who pitched in during the review and the camaraderie shown by the different groups.

To the people in the forums with their comments and suggestions, the credit belongs to you for helping and supporting us every step of the way. Now that the document that the MRO made is in their hands, we hope to be able to secure a good and harmonious working relationship with the LTO to prevent things like this from happening again.

Thank you to the people if the LTO for giving us another chance and for listening and considering our recommendations.

Thank you Congressman Teves for being there during the review and for strongly voicing out your concern.

Thank you MCPF for being there and for supporting the cause.

Thank you Bikes and channel 7 for a comprehensive and objective report on the event that just transpired.

Thank you MCP for being the bridge to each and every rider out there.

Thank you to the people who worked with us in getting this done.

Thank you to all who have shown support to MRO.

Thank you GOD for blessing us and protecting us during this trying and tiring times.

This is only the foot of the mountain. We have yet to get to the summit. MRO will take you there!

God bless us all! We will prevail!

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M R O : National information drive : Huge success !!!

September 26, 8:00 pm

About ready to leave the house to head towards UP and my appointment with the UP Chapel priests who will do a pray over for the event till morning. A few days back, I have told them about out battle against discrimination and that I was going to give a speech to the people who were affected and thousands if not millions more on TV, Newspapers and Radio. So I geared up, got all the papers I printed, got my helmet and went out.

As I stepped out and looked at the sky, I wished that it stayed dry all throughout.

9:00 pm

I got to the chapel and there were three priests waiting for me. They asked me to bring my stuff into a small prayer room where there was some coffee, sandwiches and cookies on the side. They served me coffee for what it seems is going to be one of my longest nights ever. While I was drinking, the priests asked about the event and what we were all fighting for. So I explained everything. While I was talking to them about it, I notice the two priests holding their scapulars and their rosaries and was already praying silently as I was talking to the third priest about what we are fighting for.

The conversation went on through the night as we exchanged thoughts and ideas about the issue.

3:00 am

My worst fear started to happen when I heard the rain falling down. One of the priests said, don’t worry, God is blessing the streets so that everybody will have a safe ride. I relaxed a little after hearing that.

4:00 am

I was getting a little worried again because I could still hear the rain falling. I was near the end of arranging all the documents I had to bring in case a press conference was going to happen. You’ll never know. I was getting more and more nervous as I had fears of the turnout of the motorcade. I just kept on praying. Then a priest brought in a small mattress and a pillow and told me to rest up. They had me lay down and surprisingly, I was in a state of calmness and dozed off into lala land.

7:15 am

The priests woke me up and gave me a cup of tea instead of coffee this time. They said it would give me a better feeling. To my surprise, the rain stopped and the sun was showing it’s face ever so slightly. It felt good and I got excited to see that the weather was cooperating with us. As they walked me out of the chapel and into the place where I parked my bike, I felt relieved. They did a quick blessing ceremony as I was sitting on it. They even blessed my helmet! After a few pats on the back and a good luck from the eldest priest, I started my bike, waved and went on my way.

7:45 am

I was already in Riverbanks mall. Upon seeing that there was nobody there, I proceeded to Shell J. Vargas.

8:00 am

Upon reaching shell, I saw this PGO scooter and a familiar face. It was the camera man of Bikes and he was with a few people. I parked my scooter right beside their van, got my gears off and greeted them. I finally got to meet Sonicboom from the forums! Another big guy was with them who apparently owned the scooter. I was then told that they will be riding with us to cover the whole event from beginning till end. There was a few more people on the side of select so I greeted them and thanked them for joining in.

8:30 am

A few more people started to come in so I took out my ribbons and scissors in case some of them needed more on their bikes. I also fixed and added more ribbons on mine. As I waited for the participants to arrive slowly but surely, I kept wondering where the other groups were. I was sort of expecting a few more from the texts and calls I received the past couple of days before this event. Then, iceroland of HeadStart arrived on his tiny mio sporty. He just came all the way from Pampanga just to cover this event for their show. He told me that he had left a good friend to attend and supervise the motorcade back there. They were expecting a few hundred bikes and cagers to attend the motorcade.

9:00 am

I was already frantically calling the MRO lieutenants back and forth to check on their status and head count. Astek reported a good number. They were already brewing close to a hundred riders already. My first call to don was just a few bikers but the last time I called him, he said there were about 50+ already and they were doing a photo op on site. As for the Cavite group, they have already filled up their meeting place with close to 300 riders! I wish I saw the sheer number of that single group. The Marikina boys also started to arrive. Familiar face since I live in Marikina and a couple of them I have been with for some time already, Ai2 decals and Gani of Santos motorcycle shop.

Then I get a surprising call. Daniel Sunga of the Davao Aguila Riders was on the other line. He asked me the plans for today and that he was also preparing his area in Davao but will be doing the motorcade in the afternoon when he arrives there. I told him that it doesn’t matter what time they do it as long as they do it on this momentous day. He gave his words of encouragement and we exchanged our thank you’s before saying goodbye. I was in total awe from the call and was really happy that one of the most active groups in this fight against the AO gave me a call and told me that he was fully supportive of the MRO. I felt really good after that. Then more and more calls came in from different parts of the country who were reporting in and telling me their projected head count. Then I realized, we have done what we hoped to do. To turn this event into a nationwide, simultaneous motorcade!

9:30 am

I told the group to get ready as we were leaving in 15 minutes. I gassed up and packed my things and talked to the Club 1600 representatives about their plan to go around Pasig to distribute flyers and ribbons. After the short conversation, I called the group together and asked to have a short prayer. A fine man took centre stand and led this wonderful prayer for all of us. I am truly sorry for forgetting your name but you know who you are. Thank you! I then assigned one of the PSRC riders, Jonbaq to spear head the group as I was going to be marshal. I went to one of the Marikina riders, Gani, and assigned him to sweep for us. I then signalled the group to mount up and to get ready to roll out. Before mounting my bike, Sonicboom walked to me and greeted me good luck as he was on his way to another event.

10:00 am

We left J Vargas as a small group of about 20 riders and their back rides and headed off towards Meralco Avenue to get to Ortigas. At first, it was a little disorganized especially when we got to Ortigas where the traffic was so bad. When we crossed EDSA, I signalled our spearhed to do a one lane slow run and stop whenever the traffic in front stops. Before reaching the Greenhills proper, we were one group and the motorcade, although small, now looked organized. We formed a 2 bike abreast formation that extended about 3 car lengths. We rode from Ortigas, onto Balete Drive and we turned right at E. Rodriguez. The sun was high and mighty and I was concerned about the heat getting to the group. So I checked up on them periodically and made sure everybody was alright. As we exited E. Rodriguez, and made our U turn near Welcome Rotonda, I realized that we were already half way through our ride and was nearing our destination.

As we hit Espana, we saw from a distance a huge operation. Men in black shirts with yellow markings on their backs were all over the place. I signalled the group and pointed at the LTO Officers conducting an operation right there along Espana Road! Then the traffic had us stop right at the centre of the place where they were conducting what it seemed like, plate removal from vehicles! I got nervous. So I signalled iceroland to get his camera ready and to shove his camera on their faces when they attempt to apprehend us. As we were patiently waiting for the traffic to move, the chief of the operations, wearing a light blue polo started to walk towards us. I told myself, this is it. Drama! To my astonishment, he just walked through the middle of our motorcade, glaring at the bikes and staring specifically at the loud ones and the ribbons attached to the bikes. He stepped up on the island and took another look at us and crossed towards the other side. He let us go! As we were about to move, I noticed a stack of motorcycle plates on the sidewalk and a few more that one of the guys in black was holding. I felt sorry for the people who got caught and got their plates removed that day. If you are one of them, you should contact me asap!

At this point, my cellphone was already dead and I couldn’t tell the time anymore. As we crossed the cut off to head to head towards Quiapo church, my heart was beating faster and faster. I was praying at this point and asking God to ensure the safety of the riders and that the bigger group of don pangan to be let through the LTO operation in Espana.

As we approached Quiapo, there was a lot of traffic in the area and all I can see were busses and jeeps. I was hoping that we weren’t the first group to arrive since our group was pretty small. When we got to the church, I was astounded by the sheer number of bikes lined up in front of the park. There were layers and layers of bikes all over the place! As I weaved through and found myself a spot inside the park, I let of a sigh of relief as I see over 150 bikes already there on site! People were cheering at every bike arriving and joining us inside the park. It was a sight to behold at least for me.

After a few minutes, don pangan’s group arrived and now, the place was filled up!!! I could say that the number was about 300+ bikes and the plaza was filled up by about 70-75%. I was getting emotional at this point. I said to myself, we have pulled it off. We have done what we have set up to do.

The interviews started almost instantaneously, with people gathering up from all sides trying to catch a glimpse of what is happening and trying to listen in to the message I was trying to deliver on camera. After the interview, I immediately called on don to rally up the press people so we can begin. The press had us positioned for a photo op and got close-ups of bikes with the banners and placards and the entire group with their hands and helmets raised up in the air. After the short photo-ops, I then called upon the riders to assemble for the delivery of the official statement that we wanted the whole nation to hear. As I introduced myself to the people, my heart was thumping over time. I told them that I was happy to see all of them and that I am at a loss of words at what I was looking. The emotions were all over the place and I could feel the energy generating from every rider who came.

As I started the speech, I couldn’t help feel nauseous probably because of the heat of the sun. I tried my best to shout out the statement so that everybody could hear it. As I was reading through, there was a few times where I felt breaking down. I tried my best to keep my composure and kept on reading at the top of my lungs. A few tears let go and I hoped the crown didn’t notice the difference from the sweat flowing from my face. As I got near the end of my speech, I said to myself, I hope we get a good response. After saying the last lines of the statement, the roar of the crowd hit me like an invisible tsunami. People shouting, clapping and cheering all over the place. Then I delivered the last piece of news I had for them. I told them that the LTO has once again opened their doors to us and have invited the participants of the first workshop back for the review of the AO. People started to cheer as they heard the news and it was a sign that what we have been doing is taking effect and is making the LTO realize what they were doing. I then started to deliver the message for the MRO and how we need their continued support in preparation for the worst that may happen. I told them that the registration of the organization is on its last leg and that we would be accepting donations in preparation for the case that we will be filing in case the LTO doesn’t heed our call and grievances. The people showed tremendous support and they were told about the future of the MRO and what we intend to do and how we intend to do it. After a last hurrah from the crowd, we ended the motorcade in a blast of cheers and claps.

This is when I realized that what we have started and what we have done as taken its effect and has gained enough momentum to unify the community. I wish to thank all those who came and who has supported us in this fight. I wish to congratulate the organizers of each area who participated and did their own motorcades in their vicinity. I wish to tell everybody who has spear headed, sweeped and marshalled the event, a good job!

Again, thank you! On behalf of the MRO and MAP, MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO!!! MABUHAY PO TAYONG LAHAT!!! WE WILL PREVAIL!!!

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The MRO's Official Statement... This is our voice!!! This is our stand!!!

As the growth of the motorcycle industry and community in the country is rising in immense proportions, we understand the need to enforce the laws and regulations that ensure order and the safety of all concerned. More and more people have moved to motorcycles as the new and alternative solution to cars and public transportation. It is economical, affordable and it gets you to your destination in less time.

With the creation of AO: AHS-2008-015, a lot of the regulations being proposed are already within the scope of RA 4136. What we need to focus on is the enforcement of these laws and the proper issuance of licenses and registration to all motorists.

However, there have been some additional regulations that were introduced with this AO. We have some concerns as to the basis, implementation and vagueness of these regulations. Our main concern is the possibility of these new regulations to be subject to the possibility of corruption and illegal apprehensions based on the interpretation of the apprehending officers.

We would like to seek clarification and the basis of the implementing rules and regulations of these grey areas of the AO. We are asking for your help in re-evaluating these regulations and to hold its implementation while a proper and more technical study is made to clarify the issues.

I would also like to say that the AO has been a subject of every rider, shop, dealer and manufacturer. This AO has grave effects not only to the community but to the entire industry as well. Small shops and stores will lose their livelihoods, their mechanics, cashiers, assistants and helpers will lose their jobs, the suppliers will lose their means of business, the dealers will have fewer buyers, the manufacturers will have less reason to keep their assembly plants in the country and the government will lose millions upon millions of tax collections from all of the parties concerned thus creating another economic tumble. I feel especially saddened to the people who will be forced to close shops and the employees they will be sending home with no more jobs the next day.

We also feel that the AO is discriminatory, Anti-poor, prejudicial and un-constitutional since it breaks The following laws:

(1) the LTO AO is outside of the scope of RA 4136;

(2) the LTO AO violates Book IV, Chapter 11, Section 50 and Book VII, Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Administrative Code;

(3) the LTO AO violates the Bill of Rights, Sections 1, 2, 4, and 19.1 of the Constitution...

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Section 4.No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.
Section 19.

1. Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted. Neither shall death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it. Any death penalty already imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua.

With that said, we the people of the Philippines, humbly ask the officials who govern us to hear our call for equality, freedom and the right to express one’s self. We acknowledge the need to enforce and advocate safety and we are all for that. Given that we do not stop on the rights of the people and their own property.

Instead of taking it to the streets, why not bring us back to the blackboard.

Re-education and not regulation. Equality and not discrimination. Freedom and not oppression. Safety without dictation.

God bless us all!!!

http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143050

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An open letter and a call for unity... By: Jobert Bolanos (aka click_me)

At the end of the day... As we have gone through all the work, research, information gathering, conversations with individuals, meetings with the groups, the workshop, the slap on the face, the positive and negative reactions and statements, the rumors, the rifts and the actual events that transpired, we are all for one thing... To be as one big community that enjoys our passion, livelihood and the roads...

I don't care about what this or that person says about each other and how things become a big stand off... The goal is the same... One thing is evident... Before we can even be effective in reaching our goal, we have to set aside our differences and our problems towards each other... We all want the same thing... The freedom to live and ride...

We are not doing this for glory or for acknowledgment... Were doing this because we owe it to society and to the community who has led us into the passion of feeling the wind in our faces as we ride...

Now that we are facing this hurdle, we should not look into making each other look bad or saying stuff to discredit each other... The more we do this, the more we destroy our only chance of reaching the goal that we are after...

My call to every single person who rides their motorcycle is to set aside our differences and lets work to achieve what we are all after... Equality, Freedom and Safety on the streets... We owe it to ourselves and everybody around us...

So my dear brothers and sisters, hear me out... Let us unite and work as one... No more rumors, no more shenanigans, no more agendas and no more pointing of fingers... We are a community... We should act towards the same goal and not against each other...

I made mistakes myself and I said some things that were totally uncalled for... I thought of and assumed many things as I went along my way... I am not trying to clean my hands of the dirt that I speak of... In fact, I am apologizing for the wrong things that I have done... I am not trying to seek sympathy... I am merely asking for everybody to sit back, think and ask your self why are we here... What are we after... Personally, I am here because of one thing... I am here because I love to ride and I don't want anybody or anything to stop me from doing what I love...

So for the sake of everybody and the people surrounding us, let us unite and help each other to take back what is rightfully ours with out stepping on anybody's toes...

We are riders... We will prevail...

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