MANILA, Philippines — Cainta Mayor Johnielle Keith Pasion “Kit” Nieto has apologized for riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
“I make this public apology to all who have witnessed me riding a motorcycle without a helmet heading towards a church to attend a wedding,” Nieto said over his Facebook account on Friday.
“I offer no excuses for breaching the law…I only attempted to explain what happened and why I did it.. but it does not in any way exempt me from complying with what is required by our laws..,” he added.
Nieto admitted that he should have been “more circumspect in maintaining the image of a compliant citizen” given the position he holds.
He said he would be heading to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday to secure his citation ticket and pay the penalties.
“I will thereafter proceed to the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) office to face any disciplinary action that may be meted accordingly inclusive of (a) sanction that would require me to vacate my office,” he said.
“Isang pangkalahatang paumanhin sa lahat,” he added.
Road safety advocate James Deakin had earlier called out the Cainta mayor for violating the law.
Deakin had cited Republic Act No. 100541 which mandates all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving.
“This is something that goes beyond the law. This is also a golden opportunity as a public official to educate and shine much-needed light on the importance of road safety and the value of saving countless lives by simply wearing a helmet,” he said.
Before this, Nieto had defended himself saying he had signed a waiver prior to riding the motorcycle which he said would absolve anyone from liability from any injury he would sustain due to his decision not to wear a helmet.
Deakin reacted to this and said: “I didn’t realize you could sign a waiver when you break the law that absolves everyone of liability, including yourself.”
Nieto, in response, told Deakin that “the purpose of the waiver is to protect other people and not myself..try to read it again and tell me where in the reply did I ever insinuate that I am absolved of culpability.”
On Monday, Nieto shared a Facebook post where he shared a photo of his citation ticket.
Deakin has commended Nieto for apologizing, saying that “it takes a lot of courage to admit when you are wrong.”
“I admire that. Thank you, Mayor Nieto. Now we can all move forward,” Deakin said in a Facebook post.