2nd SPMJ Forum Centers on Biggest Problems for Motorcycle Riders

Members of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) met once again for the 2nd SPMJ Forum. The regular gathering collects journalists from various media outlets so they can hear and question invited resource speakers from different industries that have a stake at the state of road and traffic conditions in the country.

Held at Ayala's Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City, attendees discussed the claim of motorcycle riders that they are being discriminated against by law enforcers. Jobert Bolaños, representing the motorcycle organization 'Riders of the Philippines,' detailed the allegations.

Some of the issues discussed include traffic officials telling riders to remove their helmets while on the road, which runs counter to what is required by law, according to Bolaños. The problem with 'riding-in-tandem' crimes, and how they affect innocent riders, was also deliberated.

After Bolaños said his piece, Chief Roberto Fajardo of the Philippine National Police—Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) explained the government’s stand on the issues, along with Land Transportation Office (LTO) Law Enforcement Section Director Francis Rey Almora.

Fajardo and Almora assured attendees that they will look into the allegations and implement solutions as soon as possible.

The 1st SPMJ Forum, which was held late in April of this year, and had Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III as its main resource speaker. The topic of the event was the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.