DTI to post lists of approved motorcycle helmets

Starting this coming week, the Department of Trade and Industry will post lists of motorcycle helmet brands that have met government safety standards. DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said the lists aim to discourage the sale of helmets that have not passed Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) standards. "Tayo ay mag-iikot at magpapaskil sa outlets ng presyo ng helmets... para masiguro na walang magbebenta ng helmet na hindi pumasa sa ICC standard," she said in an interview on dzBB radio Saturday. She also said they will take steps to make sure the ICC stickers on helmets are not faked. Maglaya said DTI teams wll "monitor enforcement in the next few weeks." The DTI is implementing the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, which requires authorities to ensure the safety of helmets. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and Communications directed the Land Transportation Office to defer enforcement of the law. In a news release on the Official Gazette website, the DOTC said this stemmed from the DTI's request for more time to inspect helmets coming into the country. For now, DOTC said the LTO will issue reminders to motorcycle drivers on the matter from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31. "In cooperation with other pertinent government and private agencies and organizations, the LTO will conduct an aggressive public information and education campaign on the matter," it added. But starting January 1, 2013, the DOTC said motorcycle drivers without the helmet with the ICC seal will be issued citation tickets and penalized. — LBG, GMA News