Lucban mayor responds to criticism over helmet issue

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Lucban Mayor Agustin “Tenten” Villaverde during a municipal event in Quezon Province. (Tenten Villaverde)...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

Lucban Mayor Agustin “Tenten” Villaverde during a municipal event in Quezon Province. (Tenten Villaverde)

LUCBAN, Quezon - Facing criticism over his failure to wear a helmet during a local parade, Lucban Mayor Agustin “Tenten” Villaverde acknowledged the higher standard expected of public officials in obeying traffic and safety laws. He said the controversy had become a lesson for the municipal government after photographs and videos of the activity circulated widely on social media.

Villaverde said he understands the concerns raised by residents and recognizes that holding public office carries greater responsibility when it comes to following laws imposed on motorists. He also said he respects the show-cause order issued by the Land Transportation Office and intends to present the complete circumstances of the incident through the proper process.

“Bilang isang lingkod-bayan, kinikilala ko na may mas mataas na inaasahan sa amin pagdating sa pagsunod sa batas at pagiging mabuting halimbawa sa publiko. Iginagalang ko ang Show Cause Order na inilabas ng Land Transportation Office at makikipagtulungan ako nang buong maayos sa proseso,” Villaverde said.

The mayor said the incident has also prompted the municipal government to strengthen safety compliance during future activities involving motorcycles and other vehicles. Parades, motorcades and similar public events would be conducted with closer attention to required safety measures and existing traffic regulations, he said.

“Higit sa lahat, mahalaga sa akin ang aral na dulot ng pangyayaring ito. Sisiguraduhin naming sa mga susunod na parada, motorcade, at iba pang pampublikong aktibidad ng ating pamahalaang bayan ay mahigpit na masusunod ang mga kinakailangang safety measures at batas-trapiko,” Villaverde said.

The LTO issued show-cause orders after photographs and videos showed Villaverde and several local government personnel riding motorcycles without standard protective helmets during what appeared to be a local parade. The riders were ordered to appear before the agency on October 1, while their licenses were placed under 90-day preventive suspension and three motorcycles connected to the incident were put under alarm status pending the proceedings.

Villaverde said he accepts the criticism directed at him with humility and views accountability as part of the responsibility carried by a public servant. He maintained that his administration would continue performing its duties while respecting traffic laws and cooperating with the administrative process surrounding the incident.