Senators denounced on Monday, February 23 organizer of the Boss Ironman Challenge over repeated violations and road recklessness in their activities, especially during its recent event in Mindanao.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, said that while motorcycle tourism could help boost the country’s tourism campaign, “it should not be the cause of tragedy.”

“We want our motorcycle tourism to be ‘world class,’ and the first step towards that is being world class in discipline,” Ejercito said during the hearing. 

“The road is not our personal racetrack, it is a public space. Just because our engine is bigger doesn't mean we have more rights on the road,” he stressed.

Ejercito said it is imperative to maintain a “zero fatality” culture in motorcycle tourism by studying the policies and the gaps in these kind of activities.

“What we aim for is not just for every rider to reach the finish line, but especially to arrive safely and without any accidents. With proper discipline, motorcycle tourism in our country can go even further,” he pointed out. 

Reckless, stupid 

For his part, Sen. Raffy Tulfo said no life should be sacrificed under the guise of charity.

Moreover, Tulfo questioned the Boss Ironman organizers how much money they are able to raise from its endurance ride events and if it really goes to charity. 

“No life should be sacrificed under the guise of charity,” Tulfo said during the hearing.

“(It was) reckless. Stupid. Full of violations. They claim it was just an endurance ride, but it was obvious they were racing. Despite the House hearing last 2024 on the issue on Boss Ironman challenge, the same issues cropped up during its recent event  in Mindanao,” he said.

“There should be transparency reports that Boss organizers show to participants—where does the money they raise go and is it truly for charity?” he pointed out. 

Tulfo also questioned why the event continued to push through even though the former president of Boss Ironman vowed to discontinue the activities.

“In the first place, this should not be a race. Our public roads are shared spaces not meant to satisfy one’s own adrenaline rush,” he said.

“If the goal is to stage an endurance race, then do it in a contained environment – go to a closed circuit na walang (where there are no) pedestrians and ordinary motorists,” he added.

He said organizers of the event should closely coordinate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Local Government Units (LGUs). 

“There should also be close coordination between the LTO, PNP, LGUs, and the Boss organizers. Make sure there are permits and proper route assessments,” Tulfo said.