Road safety accountability bill pushed

After a recent tragedy where a 23-year-old student died following a fall from an LRT platform along EDSA — and was subsequently struck by a passing vehicle — 4Ps Partylist Representative JC Abalos is renewing his push for a new road safety measure.

Abalos filed House Bill (HB) 110 last 29 July, which seeks to create the “Philippine Responsible Driving and Accountability Act.” The bill is designed to encourage responsible driving while also ensuring drivers aren’t automatically held liable for accidents where no negligence or traffic violation occurred.

In the 11 February incident, the student fell from the platform, and although the driver initially went into police custody, CCTV footage later showed no fault on the motorist’s part.

Abalos said situations like these highlight the need for clearer rules on accountability.

“This measure is about justice for everyone involved,” Abalos said. “We mourn the loss of a young life, but we also need to protect innocent drivers from the trauma and legal burden of being held responsible for things beyond their control.”

Key provisions of HB 110 include clear definitions of road incidents, guidance on aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and a framework for determining liability in accidents. The bill is currently pending before the House Committee on Transportation.