CEBU CITY, Philippines - The Cebu City Council's transportation committee will look into complaints by motorcycle owners about the strict requirements in the Land Transportation Office (LTO) administrative order on helmet use and clothing for riders.Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said they will study LTO Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 to determine if the directive conflicts with the city's traffic ordinance. Jakosalem cited one provision prohibiting motorcycle riders from wearing “open type” helmets and bicycle helmets as well as slippers and shorts. Several motorcycle owners complained about the LTO order following its implementation by the agency's regional office this month. Jakosalem said wearing a crash helmet in the city is unnecessary because traffic congestion slows down motorcycle riders. The councilor, who is also a member of the City Traffic Operation and Management (Citom), said traffic personnel were instructed to concentrate on traffic management rather than implementing the LTO directive. “The council will look into it, especially the provision on the helmet. In the Olympics and the bike race, they only wear a bicycle helmet and they drive very fast,” Jakosalem said. He also questioned the prohibition on changing the spare parts of motorcycles, saying this will deprive the income of vehicle shops selling spare parts and accessories. “Why do they have to prohibit the motorcycle riders? It is their rights ilang paninduton ang ilang sakyanan (to decorate their vehicles),” Jakosalem said. However, he agrees with the provision on prohibiting motorcycle riders from wearing shoes since it is intended to ensure their safety. | 
