In a bid to promote safer roads for motorcycle and three-wheeled riders, two major groups have designated former Interior Secretary and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. as their “Ambassador for Road Safety.”
The Motorcycle Philippines Federation and the Motorcycle Road Safety Warriors recognized Abalos, who is running for senator under the administration banner, for his extensive experience in public service and commitment to traffic management.
“As a leader who has long advocated for road safety, we believe that Benhur Abalos is the right person to champion the welfare of motorcycle and three-wheeled riders,” the groups said in a joint statement.
“We trust that he will work towards policies that protect and benefit riders across the country.”
Abalos highlighted the pressing need for stronger road safety measures, pointing out the increasing number of motorcycle-related accidents.
“In 2022, the Road Safety Unit of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority recorded at least 26,599 motorcycle accidents. This figure surged by 17.3 percent to 31,200 in 2023, meaning that an average of 78 motorcycle accidents occurred daily in Metro Manila alone,” Abalos said.
While motorcycle crashes accounted for 22 percent of all road accidents in 2023, car-related incidents made up 54 percent of the total.
In Metro Manila alone, the MMDA reported over 86,000 vehicular accidents last year.
Data from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group showed there were 31,258 road accidents in 2024 nationwide — with 15,690 involving motorcycles and 4,224 involving tricycles.
Abalos cited the need for education to promote road safety, saying there should be road safety subjects at least for senior high school student in preparation for their application for driver’s license.
He also suggested the setting up of more motorcycle-riding training centers across the country in partnership with motorcycle dealers.
