Committee on Public Services Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed dismay over the Boss Ironman Endurance Challenge due to numerous traffic violations and accidents involving its participants.
During the Committee on Tourism hearing, Tulfo presented videos showing participants blatantly breaking traffic rules, including running red lights, counterflowing, and actions endangering others on the road.
“Dahil ba BOSS Ironman kayo libre na kayo sa ticket? Hindi dapat!”
“I’m sick and tired kasi maraming pumupuntang pobreng namamasadang tricycle drivers sa akin inirereklamo kapag sila huhulihin at tinitiketan sa red light pero ‘yung mga participants binabastos ‘yung mga batas trapiko. Dahil ba BOSS Ironman kayo libre na kayo sa ticket? Hindi dapat!” the legislator said.
The lawmaker also questioned whether the event organizers conduct proper skills assessments to ensure that participants are qualified to join and have sufficient knowledge of traffic rules and motorcycle safety.
According to the senator, he supports the advocacy of motorcycle tourism and promoting local economies in the areas where the Boss Ironman Challenge is held, which can help showcase local products. However, for him, no life should ever be sacrificed.
“Marami nang namamatay, nasusugatan at napeperwisyo sa kalsada.”
“Wala akong problema kung ang pagmomotorsiklo ay nakakatulong upang umangat ang ating turismo at makatulong kayo sa kapwa kahit barya-barya lang ang ibinibigay niyong charity, ang kaso, marami nang namamatay, nasusugatan at napeperwisyo sa kalsada,” Tulfo stressed.
He clarified that while endurance rides are acceptable, reports indicate that the event is allegedly being conducted as a race. Tulfo also received information that betting occurs during the ride, with some politicians allegedly involved.
He emphasized that racing should be held in a proper venue, away from the public and pedestrians, and that participant safety is prioritized.
According to the Tourism Promotions Board, 93 motorcycle tourism events generated P1.9 billion in revenue. This highlights the importance of organizers strengthening safety policies to prevent tragedies in future endurance challenges.
Tulfo further questioned why, despite a congressional hearing on the same issue in 2024, the Boss Ironman event was still allowed to proceed. He firmly opposed the continuation of the event unless the organizers implement mechanisms to ensure future rides are safe.
Tulfo also stressed that he would not allow the organizers to disregard Senate hearings and make a mockery of the process, promising to use all legal avenues to prevent the event from continuing without proper guidelines.
“I will not allow you. I’ll do everything in my power, legally, LTO, PNP-HPG, DOTr na ipatigil kayo hangga’t hindi kayo makapagpakita ng napakagandang guidelines o programa para matiyak na wala na muling maaksidente,” he stressed.
Tulfo also questioned the purported charity work conducted by the Boss Ironman event, noting that despite earning millions, organizers reportedly distribute only minimal assistance.
He cited an endurance challenge event that reportedly generated around P15 million, suggesting that the charity serves as a front to cover the group’s commercial interests.
