opinion poll

What is your stand on the enactment of the Ordinance Prohibiting Closed or Tainted Helmets and Face-Covering Clothing on Motorcycles to Curb Shooting Incidents?

riders and passengers from wearing closed or tainted helmets and face-covering clothing.

While some may see this as a violation of personal freedom and privacy, the need for public safety outweighs individual preferences. The ordinance aims to regulate traffic rules, policies, and regulations to ensure the convenience, security, and protection of all residents as provided under Section 447 of R.A. 7160.

I understand the municipality’s intention to increase public safety, but I believe that this ordinance may impinge on our personal freedom and privacy. As a motorcycle rider, I value the protection that a closed helmet and face-covering clothing provide. I hope that the enforcement of the ordinance will be fair and just, and that the authorities will not use it to discriminate against certain groups of people.

[Self-reflection]

Philippines Faces Alarming Rise in Teenage

Pregnancy Rates: Prompting Calls for Action

by Celeste Anne D. McCormack

The Philippines continues to grapple with the issue of teenage pregnancy, which remains a significant concern for the country’s policymakers and health advocates.

According to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of teenage pregnancies in the country has been steadily rising in recent years. In 2020, there were over 62,000 live births to teenage mothers aged 15 to 19, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.

The high incidence of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines is attributed to a range of factors, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and cultural norms that view early marriage and childbearing as acceptable.

The government has taken steps to address the issue, including the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law in 2012. The law aims to provide access to information and services on family planning and re- productive health, including for teenagers.

However, challenges remain in ensuring that young people have access to comprehensive sex education and contraception, and in addressing cultural attitudes towards teenage pregnancy.

Health experts warn that teenage pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and child, including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, as well as increased risk of poverty and limited educational opportunities.

Efforts to address teenage pregnancy in the Philippines require a multi-faceted approach that involves education, access to healthcare, and changing cultural attitudes towards early marriage and childbearing. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that young people in the Philippines have the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

by Vincent Daniel D. Ponce

It is important to note that the ordinance does not prohibit the use of helmets and protective gear. Instead, it only prohibits the use of closed or tainted helmets and face-covering clothing, which can be used to conceal the identity of individuals involved in criminal activities.

The municipality has experienced several shooting incidents, and the passing of this ordinance is a significant step towards curbing

I fully support the ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Calubian. I think that it is a necessary measure to prevent criminal activities, especially shooting incidents that have plagued the municipality. It is a small sacrifice for motorcycle riders to use open helmets and clothing that do not cover their faces. The ordinance will also make it easier for law enforcement officials to identify and apprehend offenders.

By Rhea Mae C. Datiles

such incidents. By preventing perpetrators from covering their faces with closed or tainted helmets, bonnets, or clothing, law enforcement officials will have an easier time identifying and apprehending offenders. While it is important to ensure the safety and security of residents, it is also crucial to ensure that the ordinance is enforced in a fair and just manner. Violators of the ordinance should be issued citation

I am not sure if the ordinance will be effective in reducing shooting incidents. Perpetrators of criminal activities can always find ways to conceal their identity, even without closed or tainted helmets and face-covering clothing. However, I hope that the ordinance will serve as a wake-up call for the municipality to address the root causes of these incidents, such as poverty, lack of job opportunities, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

Independent Cartoon

By Rhea Mae C. Datiles

tickets corresponding to the amount of fines or penalties imposed, without discrimination or bias.

The passing of this Ordinance by the Sangguniang Bayan of Calubian, Leyte, is a commendable move towards ensuring public safety and curbing criminal activities in the municipality. It is a reminder that individual preferences must sometimes be sacrificed for the greater good of the community.

I am glad that the municipality is taking steps to address the issue of shooting incidents. However, I am concerned that the ordinance may have unintended consequences, such as discouraging people from using motorcycles for fear of being penalized. This could affect the livelihoods of motorcycle drivers and passengers, especially those who depend on them for transportation. I hope that the Sangguniang Bayan will take these factors into consideration and work with the community to find solutions that are fair and equitable.

OnJuly 25, 2022, in the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, President Bongbong Marcos gave his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). Lawmakers, government officials, and diplomats all attended the SONA.

In his speech, President Marcos discussed his administration’s achievements in the first year of his presidency. He highlighted the government’s efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and revitalize the economy. The President also touched on various issues such as education, agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of education, particularly in improving the country’s human capital. He announced that the government would increase the budget for education to ensure that all children have access to quality education.

The President also addressed the need to improve the agri-

[Voice for the Nation]