Press Release
May 8, 2009

RIDERS UNITE FOR MOTHER EARTH

     Backed up by thousands of riders from different parts of the country, Senator Bong Revilla kicked-off today the "Unity Ride for the Environment", a symbolic motorcade to promote environmental protection.

     Under the banner of One Philippines, the activity started at around 6 a.m. (Friday, May 8) from White Plains in Quezon City up to Clark Field, Pampanga. It aims to promote not only ecological consciousness and patriotism but also road safety which is one of the major advocacies of the senator.

     The motorcade gathered more than 5,000 motorcycle riders, including scooters, small bikes and big bikes. "No one can deny that motorcycle riders in the country belong to a huge and influential sector and they should not be taken for granted. Their views should be heard and addressed," said Revilla.

     The lawmaker lauded the bikers for the united stance on other issues of national importance such as environmental protection. "Sobrang timely ng advocacy na ito, lalo na't hindi natin maitatanggi na tinatamaan na tayo ng climate change. Isipin ninyo, naging tag-ulan ang summer season. Kaya nga dapat lang show of force tayo para tugunan ang forces of nature," said Revilla, who filed several environment-friendly bills from Public Utility Cleanliness to Anti-Sea Dumping.

     Aside from his legislative proposals, Revilla is one of the major advocates of the Philippine Independence Park Cum Ecotourism and Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite . The senator firmly believes ecological and economic gains can both be derived from the proper management and restoration of mangroves along the riverbanks and coastal areas in the country.

     Revilla's support from the motorcycle riders, particularly the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF, and motorcycle manufacturers became prominent after he filed the Mandatory Helmet Bill that seeks to oblige all drivers and back riders of motorcycles, including scooters, to wear standard quality helmets. He filed the bill as a measure to reduce the high number of serious injuries and deaths in accidents in the country involving two-wheeled motor vehicles.

     Under the Mandatory Helmet Bill, all motorcycle riders, the driver and the back rider, must wear standard quality helmets while driving motorcycles, whether on long or short drives, at any time of the day, and in any type of road and highway. Exempted are drivers of tricycles.

     The lawmaker also filed the Kids' Off Motorcycles Bill, aimed to prohibit children seven years old and below from riding on motorcycles along national highways.

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