Ejercito reiterates push for defensive drivers’ protection in road crashes

MANILA: Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito reiterated his call for the protection of innocent drivers from getting jailed after figuring in a road accident.

In his social media post, Ejercito cited a recent incident wherein a driver was automatically arrested and detained, saying that the presumption of innocence was removed from the subject.  

“In our view, it’s not right to detain anyone who was not negligent or for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our laws should not be a contributor to a string of bad luck. Madalas, sa kagustuhan na makahanap ng mga mapapanagot, naisasantabi ang katuwiran (Oftentimes, in the desire to find those responsible, reason is being set aside),” the senator noted,

He also expressed firm belief that it is “high time” for the country’s policies detrimental to the public to be updated.

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Last Wednesday, a driver was placed under police custody after a male student fell from the LRT-1 Fernando Poe Jr. Station. However, the Quezon City Police District conducted an initial investigation and found no negligence in the part of the driver.

After the father said that he is not pursuing any complaint against the driver, the driver was released.

SB 338

In July 2025, Ejercito filed Senate Bill 338 that would prevent drivers on being victims of unjust situations caused by reckless and negligent ones that were seriously injured or even died due to their own actions. This was referred to Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee a month after it was filed.

If turned into law, authorities must immediately release individuals who practiced defensive driving after proving their innocence.

“By prioritizing the swift release of innocent drivers and conducting thorough investigations, we can establish a more equitable and just system that protects the rights of all parties involved in accidents” Ejercito, who is also the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, noted.

Under the proposed measure, drivers can prove their innocence through the following:

• Dashcam video by the driver showing that he or she did not commit any violations before and during the incident
• A close-circuit television footage that also showed him or her not breaking any traffic rules before and during the incident
• Any video or photograph from a witness that can prove his innocence

However, the same proposal noted that the presentation of the abovementioned items shall not exonerate driver from any liability under the law.

Also read:

Bill seeking compensation for improper traffic apprehension filed in Senate

Ejercito: Anti-Lane Splitting bill, motorcycle club registration can worsen traffic, affect delivery services

Ejercito: Budget cuts to DOTr will cripple railway projects

Bill granting free parking for elderly, PWD in malls filed in Senate

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