THE heartbroken family of a young Brit killed in a moped smash in the Philippines were left sickened when they were asked to PAY for the damaged scooter.
Jack Whitelaw was holidaying with three friends when he tragically crashed on a dark road and ploughed into a tree with nails sticking out of it.
The 20-year-old went over the handlebars of the bike he had hired from Lukay Resort hostel on the island of Siargao, and died instantly.
His shattered dad Paul said Jack was allowed to sign the paperwork to get the motorbike even though he didn’t have a motorcycle licence – which he claims is illegal.
Paul, 57, said the hostel which rented out the bike then heartlessly asked him and wife Suzy to pay for the fees and damage to the scooter their son crashed on.
He said: “My thoughts right now is that anger has turned to rage. The company want me to pay for the motorcycle that he broke.
“Well my son has paid with his life, so I am fighting for justice for Jack.”
He got a message from the hostel when he arrived in the Philippines to repatriate his son’s body yesterday.
Someone called Novelyn who works at the hostel got in contact after speaking to Jack’s work friend Ben Sinclair who he was with at the time.
It read: “Hi good afternoon. I hope you arrived well in Siargao.
“I was in contact with Ben and he told us you would be one taking care of the repairs/fees for the scooter.
“We just wanted to ask news as the bike is still at the police station as of today.
“Sorry to bother you with that.”
Shocked Paul replied: “Are you kidding me! You murdered my son.
“You gave him a motorbike without a license and as soon as I have finished getting him home, I’m going to get a Philippines lawyer and sue for what you did to him.”
The hostel then sent him a copy of the form Jack filled in when he hired the bike.
Paul replied: “I’ll give this to our lawyer. He’s never driven a motorcycle in his life. No licence.
“Philippine law says you MUST have a licence to use one. Why would you give one? My son paid with his life.”
The family were not given a specific amount they were asked to pay – but the firm’s intention to hit them with the bill was clear.
He said Jack, of Bracknell, Berks did not have the experience to ride the moped so shouldn’t have been allowed on it before he died last Monday.
Musical company director Paul added: “What happened to Jack was avoidable.
“In the Philippines, and I hope, anywhere in the world, you have to have a license to ride a moped.
“Jack had no license, he could drive a car, he hated tests of any kind, and so, had never passed his driving test.
“He had no experience in riding in a pothole ridden island at night during the rainy season in the tropics.
“They added an ‘illegal’ waiver, saying he’d be responsible in case of an accident. Jack, being a lad, signed it, and lived for a day.”
Paul now wants to raise awareness of the dangers Brits face aboard.
He added: “Being a parent, as many of you know, is the greatest single blessing that can be given us.
“Some people get it right, and some, sadly not.
“We would like to think we are good parents, and as loving as we could be.
Paying tribute to his son he added: “Jack will forever remain in our memories as the boy who will never grow up, our very own Peter Pan.
“Free living, generous, kindhearted soul who saw good in everyone, lived each and every day making other people smile.”
His sister Molly said in tribute: “There are no words to describe how much my heart hurts and how much I miss you already.
“You made every single person in every room laugh until their cheeks hurt. You lived life until the absolute fullest and made every moment count. I told you everyday, but you’ll never fully understand how much I really love you.
“I feel so lucky that I got to be your big sister.
The hostel later sent Paul another message saying they had not done anything illegal.
It read: “Is very hard to live with it even though we did not do anything illegal but I feel responsible.
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“We do our best to accommodate our customers and we do our best to protect them from the danger of motorbike providing strong helmet and signing documents.
“Unfortunately in Siargao every week and sometimes everyday there is a fatal accident. The roads are dark and people are drinking.
“I do apologize for asking you to pay for the damage but as I mentioned to you the police told me I should contact you.
“Sir I will not ask you anything, as I know it is really hard situation to handle for you. I am sorry if there was any misunderstanding. We will never forget your Son. Novelyn.”