Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been fined P500 for not wearing a helmet in a bike event in the city.
Belmonte received violation tickets and was fined under City Ordinance 2942-2021, a policy that the mayor signed herself that requires bicycle riders to wear helmets within Quezon City.
The mayor explained saying one of the participants during the bike event was not wearing a helmet so she decided to hers to the biker.
She then commended the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) for enforcing the ordinance regardless of the violator.
"I commend our DPOS for strictly implementing our ordinance kasi wala silang sini-sino kapag nagpapatupad ng batas," Belmonte said.
(I commend our DPOS for strictly implementing our ordinance because they are impartial in enforcing the law.)
Alongside Belmonte, Cherie Atilano of the UN Food System Champions also received a violation ticket and was fined P500.
They were both participants of the Cycle to End Violence Against Women bike event, which commemorates the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and the third anniversary of #RespetoNaman Movement.
"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.
Participating riders included Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Sandra Montano, Bikers United Co-Founder Ann Angala, Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago, as well as other local councilors.
The event was also graced by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Philippines Saskia De Lang and the Ambassador of Austria to the Philippines Bita Rasoulian.
The bikers cycled along the bike lanes of QC Hall, Elliptical road, up to Agham Road, and back.
