Senator Raffy Tulfo calls for better guidelines in BOSS motorcycle competition after deadly accident

Senator Raffy Tulfo called for better guidelines for the the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge as he cited complaints, violations, and alleged failure to comply with safety standards in the endurance competition.

The BOSS challenge is an endurance motorcycle challenge. A participant in the 2026 BOSS challenge in Mindanao died after colliding with a tricycle this February.

During the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Tourism on Monday, February 23, 2026, Tulfo urged event organizers to ensure close coordination with the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police, and concerned local government units (LGUs) to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

“There should also be close coordination between the LTO, PNP, LGUs, and the Boss organizers. Make sure there are permits and proper route assessments. Finally, there should be transparency reports that the Boss organizers show to the participants – where the collected money goes and whether it is truly for charity,” Tulfo explained.

“If we cannot implement these stricter guidelines, we should stop and ban this activity. If this keeps leading to danger and tragedy, let's stop it,” he added.

Tulfo said that despite repeated warnings issued to the organizers, the endurance ride has continued to commit violations, including reckless behavior on the road, particularly during its previous event in Mindanao.

Tulfo stressed that no advocacy, even charity, should ever come at the cost of human life.

“No life should be sacrificed under the guise of charity. Sa karamihan ng ating mga riders at motorists na ang pangunahing adbokasiya ay makatulong sa kapwa, I appreciate and laud your efforts," he said.

"In fact, I strongly share in your advocacy to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” he said, while acknowledging the positive contributions of responsible riders and motorcycle groups," he added.

He likewise recognized the role of organized rides in boosting domestic tourism, citing data from the Tourism Promotions Board showing that around ₱1.9 billion has been generated from 93 motor tourism events.

However, the senator warned that tourism promotion and camaraderie should never justify violations of traffic laws or reckless behavior on public roads.

“Ngunit, ang pagpapalago ng turismo ay hindi dapat nanga-ngahulugang suwayin ang mga batas-trapiko at bale-walain ang safety ng ibang tao. Ang pagpapatibay ng pagkakaibigan ay hindi dapat dinadaan sa pasikatan at payabangan. Higit sa lahat, ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay hindi dapat nauuwi sa trahedya – walang dapat nasusugatan at walang dapat namamatay,” he emphasized.

Tulfo also slammed the event after videos of alleged violations surfaced, describing the conduct of some participants as irresponsible and dangerous.

He further stressed that public roads are not race tracks and urged organizers to conduct endurance competitions only in controlled environments.

“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. If the goal is to stage an endurance race, then do it in a contained environment – go to a closed circuit na walang pedestrians and ordinary motorists,” Tulfo said.

-Paraluman News