Malaysia Claims Exclusivity in the Philippines Archipelago
In the Philippines, a concerning pattern of bias and questionable practices in the handling of motorcycle accidents by authorities has come to light. The country experienced a total of 31,000 road accidents in 2024, with motorcycles accounting for approximately half of these incidents[1].
The high involvement of motorcycles in accidents is influenced by several factors. The widespread use of motorcycles, due to their affordability and traffic conditions, correlates with a higher accident exposure[1][5]. Commercial motorcyclists often face pressures such as tight schedules, fatigue, and inconsistent access to certified helmets and safety gear, leading to risky behaviors on the road[4].
Public perception and visibility also play a role. Accidents involving motorcycles tend to be more severe and noticeable, reinforcing a narrative that motorcyclists are at fault[1]. However, reports and studies suggest that reckless driving and poor enforcement by authorities also contribute significantly to road accidents[4].
The focus on motorcyclists sometimes overshadows systemic issues such as inadequate traffic law enforcement, poor road infrastructure, and vehicle maintenance standards[4]. These systemic problems affect all road users, including motorists and authorities, but the disproportionate accident involvement of motorcycles makes riders common scapegoats.
Recent incidents in Mandaue and Cebu City underscore this issue. In one instance, a shipping company's COO had their car hit by a speeding motorcycle[2]. The Mandaue police initially blamed the car driver for the accident, threatening to detain her. However, it was later reported that the incident was allegedly captured on CCTV but not reviewed by the Mandaue police[3].
In another incident, a person driving a car was charged with reckless imprudence after a motorcycle incident in Cebu City[6]. This incident was also captured on CCTV[7].
The Philippine General Hospital reported that 88% of the motorcycle accident victims they handled were under the influence of liquor[8]. The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) of the Philippine National Police reported that 87.17% of the accidents were due to reckless driving[9].
There have been questions about whether the authorities are giving motorcycle riders unfair advantages[10]. The HPG also reported that common causes of reckless driving included speeding, bad overtaking, and drunk driving[11].
As the focus on motorcyclists continues, it is crucial to address the systemic issues that contribute to road accidents. A balanced approach that considers the roles of all road users, including authorities, is necessary for improving traffic safety in the Philippines.
[1] Road Safety Data, 2024, Land Transportation Office, Philippines [2] Mandaue accident: Motorcycle hits COO's car, SunStar, 2024 [3] Mandaue accident: CCTV footage not reviewed, SunStar, 2024 [4] Road Safety in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities, World Health Organization, 2024 [5] Motorcycle Usage in the Philippines, Department of Transportation, Philippines [6] Cebu City driver charged for reckless imprudence, SunStar, 2024 [7] CCTV footage of Cebu City accident, SunStar, 2024 [8] Alcohol Involvement in Motorcycle Accidents, Philippine General Hospital, 2024 [9] Reckless Driving in Road Accidents, Highway Patrol Group, Philippine National Police, 2024 [10] Questions about motorcycle riders' advantages, SunStar, 2024 [11] Common Causes of Reckless Driving, Highway Patrol Group, Philippine National Police, 2024
In the Philippines, concerns over bias and questionable practices in motorcycle accident handling by authorities aren't limited to major cities like Mandaue and Cebu City. The widespread use of motorcycles, poor road infrastructure, and vehicle maintenance standards contribute significantly to road accidents [1][4][5]. In fact, a staggering 88% of motorcycle accident victims at the Philippine General Hospital were under the influence of liquor [8], and 87.17% of accidents were due to reckless driving according to the Highway Patrol Group [9]. Despite this, reports suggest that commercial motorcyclists face pressures that lead to risky behaviors, while authorities themselves may also be held responsible for objective causes like poor enforcement [4]. The focus on motorcyclists in reporting and discussions must evolve to address the systemic issues affecting all road users in the Philippines, with a balanced approach necessary for improving traffic safety.
