Senator JV Ejercito's love for cycling is hard to miss.

From interviews to his social media posts, the 53-year-old lawmaker would always find a way to display his love for cycling — and sports in general.

That's why in a recent interview with Daily Tribune, Ejercito took the opportunity to preach the benefits of cycling and how he wants to spearhead the staging of more local and international tournaments that would encourage a lot of enthusiasts to take the sport seriously.

"We need to have more competitions like Ronda Pilipinas. I hope somebody picks up the cudgels for it to continue because competition improves the quality of our athletes," said Ejercito, referring to the annual professional road cycling competition that covers major cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The prestigious bikefest started in 2011 and has drawn the interest of the best local and international riders. It, however, got canceled this year as it prepares to transition from being an annual to a biennial event.

"We need competitions," Ejercito stressed.

But batting for the staging of a professional cycling competition is just a mere fraction of Ejercito's love for the sport.

In fact, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Ejercito took the cudgels for the cyclists when he slammed the Inter-Agency Task Force for raising the proposal of requiring cyclists to wear face shields on the road.

Ejercito stressed that this proposal will put the cyclists' lives at risk as they might suffer hypoxia or lack of oxygen. Having first-hand experience on the challenges of the sport, Ejercito asserted that the proposal might create more harm than good.

"I am not in favor of requiring face shields to those who are biking and exercising. This might cause hypoxia or lack of oxygen. While breathing hard, intake of oxygen is already minimized with masks so what more if they will require them to wear face shields? This can be fatal," Ejercito said.

"Cyclists usually are away from each other. Face shields should be required in enclosed and crowded places. There is already a mask that is required anyway."

"Wearing a face shield while cycling is dangerous. The mask is enough."

But that's not all.

Ejercito also fought hard for the rights of cyclists through Senate Bill 393 that pushes for more bicycle lanes in major thoroughfares.

He believes that by putting up bicycle lanes, the government would encourage the public to bike to their respective schools or offices instead of riding cars, buses or trains. The public would also get to save a lot on their transportation expenses while helping the government solve the worsening traffic situation.

"This legislation is one way to help unburden commuters who are choosing to ride their bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles in order to escape the worsening traffic situation and save money on fares and fuel, especially now that prices of petroleum products have skyrocketed," the bill's explanatory note said.

Ejercito said the government will also benefit from this proposal.

"Though we admire such resilience and innovation, the government should also look into improving road conditions for alternative means of transportation," Ejercito, the son of former President Joseph Estrada, said.

"Until such a time that the government has finished its goal to provide mass transportation that is people-centered and accommodating to every walk of life, there will always be room for alternative forms of travel."

Ejercito admitted that he even considered riding his bicycle to work.

"Even I couldn't bear it each time I load up on gas. I shell out P5,000 every time. It's hard on my pockets. Hopefully, I can save by biking to work," Ejercito said.

As of May 2023, about 546 kilometers of bike lanes were already established in Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, according to the Department of Transportation.

Aside from cycling, Ejercito also plays golf and boxing. He is also an avid fan of basketball.

In fact, he was at the sidelines when Gilas Pilipinas battled China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup together with other senators in Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Ejercito said if there will be a chance, he will gladly lend a helping hand to Philippine sports.

After all, he is no stranger to grassroots sports after serving as chairman of the committee on youth and sports when he was still representing San Juan City in the House of Representatives.

With him in charge, he was able to help the Philippine Sports Commission with its funding that led to the rise of promising athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, who went on to become the country's first Olympic gold medalist.

"There's no specific NSA (national sports association) but if there is an opportunity, I will help. I box, I cycle and I even played basketball before," the mild-mannered Ejercito said.

Truly, sports, especially cycling, occupies a very special place in Ejercito's heart.

And he will keep on helping Filipino athletes — one pedal at a time.