Another Bill, Another Attempt to Make the Philippines Road Safe

MANILA: Hello Filipinos, here we are with a fresh update that will surely make you feel that the government under the new leadership is taking some great steps to improve road safety. Some past examples of which include strict regulations for vintage cars or for that matter bill 2871 that concerned about child safety on a four wheeler, and now joining the list is Anti-Distracted Driving Bill. The wave of improvement is so eager to swallow in all the malfunctioning that it doesn't even want to wait for the new president Rodrigo Duterte sworn in ceremony. As per recent reports, the Anti-Distracted Driving Bill that got the green signal from the Senate last May has now even cleared the second round of approval, where it was under pressure to pass unopposed through the House of Representatives. Now, as for the last step, it'll soon be presented in front of the President for his approval and then it will transform from a bill to an act. An act that will be applicable to all and anyone seen disobeying it will be asked to pay the required plenty.

Now getting into the details, let's see how this new soon to be ‘act’ will improve the Philippines’ disastrous road conditions, be it in terms of pedestrian safety or prevention of road accidents -

1. Now, in simple words if one needs to know what Anti-Distracted Bill is all about, well it mainly concerns with driver's ill-habit of using their mobile phone or for that matter a device that distracts his/her attention from the road. All of which leads to road accidents that not only take a toll on driver's life and also the one's around him.

2. A long list of activities are covered under this bill that in the future will be counted under 'distractions while driving' acts. To the list are included acts like sending a text message, talking on mobile, seeing a video/ movie on mobile or any other device, reading, writing, reading an ebook, and any other sort of activity that can distract driver's attention from the road.

3. As expected, heavy penalty will be charged if commuters are found non-compliance of the act rules and regulations. As per the given data, first-time violators will be charged with a penalty of PhP 5,000 and it will increase to PhP 10,000 and PhP 15,000 (including suspension of licence for 3 months)for the second and third-time defaulters respectively. If someone is found breaking the rules for the fourth time in a row then he will be asked to pay PhP 20,000 as fine plus it will further lead to revocation of his/her licence.

4. Now, if you are thinking of using your device at the stop light then we’ll ask you to stop thinking, as even using your mobile on the red light is counted under the violation section of the bill.

5. The said bill is not only applicable on the civilians but further extends to drivers riding Public Utility Vehicle, school service vehicles, carrier of toxic or flammable material and agricultural vehicles (public road).

6. The required implementing rules and regulations for the said bill will be drafted by Land Transportation Office and Department of Transportation and Communication. While the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority that recently summoned Public Utility Buses and the Philippines National Police will be tasked government agency, responsible for its rightful implementation.

That's all for now on the Anti-Distracted Driving Bill, let's just hope it soon gets signed by the President leading to its early implementation. And, we are very sure that this process won’t be delayed seeing Mr.Rodrigo Duterte’s dedication and right spirit which is clearly reflected by his recent instructions to public officials to restrict the use of luxury vehicles with immediate effect.