DTI to closely monitor helmet sellers, retailers

By Ferliza C. Contratista

CEBU CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will now focus on the monitoring of retailers and sellers of helmets to ensure the successful implementation of Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act. 

DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte said her office has done its part in informing the public about the full implementation of the law starting this month. 

Apart from the information dissemination, there was also an inspection of helmets for the marking of the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or the Product Standard (PS) stickers. 

The ICC stickers are for imported helmets while the PS stickers are for helmets manufactured in the Philippines. 

Starting June last year, DTI conducted inspection and “stickering” in its branches nationwide for free to motorcycle helmet owners. 

This time, Caberte said, they will constantly check on whether the helmet retailers and sellers are already selling brands of helmets that are already bearing the ICC and the PS stickers as mandated under RA 10054. 

To this effect, those who will buy motorcycle helmets are assured that these are already of standard quality and form if bought from the inspected sellers and retailers. 

Although apprehension is no longer DTI’s job, Caberte said that they will still be assisting if the authenticity of the stickers are to be addressed. 

“Our agency has a way of knowing which ones are tampered or not. A penalty of P10,000 will be imposed if a violator is caught for sticker tampering, “ Caberte said. 

She, however, reminded the law enforcers that the authenticity is the last priority in enforcing the Motorcycle Helmet Law. 

“For easier implementation, when you see an ICC or the PS mark and the helmet is covering the ears, then let it pass,” Caberte said. 

On the first day of the implementation, Land Transportation reported apprehending 67 violators of the Motorcycle Helmet law in Cebu City. (rmn/FCC/PIA7)