The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Rizal provincial government should put up a permanent substation and checkpoint within Marilaque Highway in Tanay, Rizal, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said on Thursday, January 30.
Ejercito made the call in light of the recent fatal crash that claimed the life of one motorcycle rider while performing a dangerous stunt dubbed the “Superman” for a vlog.
The senator, himself a motorcycle enthusiast, said national and local authorities should strongly consider setting up a substation or a checkpoint within the area noting how some riders have illegally turned the highway into a racing track.
“Di ko alam bakit nauso na ang pagiging superman doon. Marilaque has always been tinatawag naming playground, maganda kalye, a lot of coffee shops. Yan na ang number one tourism destination ng Rizal (I don’t know why the place became famous for those attempting to be ‘superman.’ Marilaque has always been a popular playground, the road is good, there are lots of coffee shops. That’s the number one tourism destination of Rizal),” Ejercito said during a Kapihan sa Senado forum.
“I used to frequently visit Marilaque, but not during the last two years,” he said.
According to Ejercito, he has already requested PNP officials in Rizal to set up checkpoints in the area.
The lawmaker said he believes motorycle riders would be discouraged to conduct risky activities or stunts in the area if there are permanent guards stationed in Marilaque and they are forced to pay penalties or fine should they defy orders.
“Kapag andyan ang Highway Patrol Group (HPG) tumitino kapag wala balik na naman. Kailangan siguro gawin nang regular na ng HGP (Whenever the HPG is there, there is order, but once they are gone these violators return. I think the presence of the HGP should be there regularly),” he pointed out.