DILG Sec. Roxas falls from motorcycle without helmet, Palace defends

MANILA, Philippines —Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II fell from a motorcycle while inspecting damage caused by Typhoon “Ruby” on Samar Island. Critics noted that he rode a motorcycle during the inspection without wearing a helmet. A photo showing the mishap was posted on social media.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte defended Roxas who drew flak after a motorcycle accident.

“Hindi ho lahat ng daan ay passable sa mga sasakyan. Nakita po natin ‘yung sitwasyon doon. Maraming mga nakabuwal na puno, maraming mga nakaharang po sa daan, (Not all roads are passable by motor vehicles. We have seen the situtation there. There are many fallen trees and many blocking the road,” Valte said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

“The trip from Borongan to Dolores is 65 kilometers. Matagal ho nilang nakuha ‘yung marating dahil nga marami nga hong kinilear (clear). (It took them a long time because there is a lot to clear.) And sometimes the mode of transportation is the only way to be able to move forward,” she said.

The defense completely misses the point of the criticism. It’s not the motorcycle ride that’s at issue but Roxas’ failure to wear basic safety gear including a helmet. And that sets a bad example. Police are often seen and photographed riding motorcycles around Metro Manila and other areas without a helmet.

That being said, we do laud the government for their seemingly extensive preparations for the damage that would have been wrought by the typhoon and Mr. Roxas’ efforts to reach the disaster site is a part of that effort.