Ma’am, you’re not wearing a helmet. Photo from Quezon City Government
MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday was sanctioned for not wearing a helmet during a biking event in the city.
According to the QC government, Belmonte received violation tickers from the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) and was fined P300 as this was her first offense.
Fined: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a ticket for bicycle helmet violation. Photo from Quezon City Government
Belmonte explained she gave her helmet to a fellow biker, a Cycle to End Violence Against Women bike event participant, who did not have protective gear.
Photo from Quezon City Government
Despite being sanctioned, the QC mayor commended the DPOS for implementing City Ordinance 2942-2021.
“I commend our DPOS for strictly implementing our ordinance kasi wala silang sini-sino kapag nagpapatupad ng batas,” she said in a statement.
(No one is above the law.)
The biking event was launched to commemorate the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and the third anniversary of the #RespetoNaman Movement.
The participants cycled along the bike lanes of QC Hall, Elliptical Road, up to Agham Road, and back.
“Through this event, we hope to spread awareness among the general public about the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls by addressing all forms of gender-based violence,” Belmonte said.