MMDA purchase of pricey motorbikes for APEC summit insensitive – PISTON 

Transport group PISTON has accused the Metro Manila Development Authority of being insensitive for purchasing high-end motorcycles for the security of the APEC Summit delegates arriving later this year.

 

The MMDA bought two Ducati Moster 975s and six Suzuki Bandit 750, each costing from P400,000 to P600,000.

 

It said it needs fast motorcycles to ensure the safety of world leaders set to attend the summit in November.

 

Together with PNP officers, MMDA motorcycle riders will serve as security escorts for the leaders of the US, China, and other countries in the Asia Pacific.

 

"We need at least six per vehicle," said  Atty. Emerson Carlos, general manager of MMDA, in a report on "Balitanghali" aired Saturday. "And so parang kulang pa nga ito. But this would be an augmentation."

 

"Kailangan mag keep up tayo sa kanilang mga route, sa kanilang pagdadaan sa ating mga daan so we need bigger bikes," Carlos said.

 

The APEC Summit budget covered the costs of the new motorcycles, the report said.

 

As host nation of the gathering, these motorcycles are part of the Philippines' image that will be projected to the rest of the world.

 

However, PISTON maintained that this kind of purchase is insensitive in the face of the many Filipinos living in poverty.

 

"Dapat naisip nila na yung taumbayan, ang mamamayan natin, ay mahihirap," said George San Mateo, PISTON secretary general.

 

"Mauunawaan naman yan ng mga head of state kung makita naman nila na average lang ang ating mga security equipment."

 

But the MMDA believes that the motorcycles will be an advantage, not just for the upcoming summit, but in the long run as well.

 

"Matagal pa to magagamit dahil siya ay bago po," an MMDA rider said.

 

The MMDA added that they are considering buying additional motorcycles. — Jessica Alaina Bartolome/JDS, GMA News