A total of 99 motorists were cited for using non-prescribed or no helmets in the first three days of strict enforcement of Tagbilaran City’s helmet ordinance, police said.

Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy, chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, said the 99 helmet violations were part of 195 traffic citations issued from Aug. 1 to 3, after the campaign against substandard helmets took effect.

Aside from helmet violations, police also recorded 44 cases of motorists without official receipts or certificates of registration, 33 for no driver’s license, seven for wearing slippers while riding a motorcycle, five for no side mirror, four for no plate and three for not wearing a seat belt.

Bicoy said the operation aims to strengthen compliance with traffic laws, reduce road accidents and protect public safety.

The campaign follows City Ordinance No. C-386, Series of 2025, authored by former Councilor Eliezer Borja as part of the city’s continuing campaign against substandard helmets.

Under the ordinance, only full-face and half-face helmets bearing a Philippine Standard mark or an Import Commodity Clearance sticker issued by the Department of Trade and Industry are allowed.

The use of nutshell helmets, bicycle helmets and other uncertified protective headgear is prohibited.

Violators may be fined up to P5,000.

Bicoy urged motorists to comply with the ordinance to strengthen road discipline and prevent accidents.

MOTORCYCLE RENTAL ORDINANCE

Meanwhile, the city government held a public consultation Aug. 3 on a proposed ordinance that would regulate commercial motorcycle rental and self-drive services in the city.

The consultation, led by the Committee on Peace, Public Order and Safety under Councilor Fausto Budlong, was held at 9 a.m. at JJ’s Seafood Village on K of C Drive, Gallares Street.

The hearing discussed Proposed Ordinance No. 24-26, which sets out rules and penalties for motorcycle rental and self-drive operators.

City and barangay officials, police, traffic authorities, transport groups, tourism stakeholders, civil society organizations, and operators of motorcycle, car and electric bike rentals were invited to attend.

Budlong said the consultation aims to gather suggestions and recommendations from affected sectors before further discussion of the ordinance.