In relation to the tragic incident that occurred recently involving the death of a 23-year-old student and its implications for the motorist who struck the victim after the fall, 4Ps Partylist Representative JC Abalos renewed his call for the passage of his proposed measure, House Bill (HB) No. 110, seeking to institutionalize a “Philippine Responsible Driving and Accountability Act.”
The solon filed the bill last 29 July 2025, at the start of the 20th Congress.
It aims to promote responsible driving and establish fair accountability by ensuring that drivers are not automatically held liable for road safety incidents where no negligence or traffic violation was committed.
To recall, last Wednesday, 11 February, a male student died after falling from the LRT platform along EDSA. After the fall, the victim was inadvertently struck by a passing vehicle. The driver was initially placed under police custody but was released after authorities found no apparent negligence on the driver’s part.
In a statement, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) noted that a review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed no indication that the driver was at fault in the incident.
Such situations, or similar incidents, are what Rep. Abalos seeks to address through his proposed measure.
“This measure is about justice for all parties involved,” Abalos said. “While we mourn the loss of a young life, we must also protect innocent citizens from the trauma and legal burden of being held responsible for incidents that were entirely unavoidable on their part.”
“I filed this bill to further encourage responsible driving and ensure accountability among all road users who may be involved in accidents, thereby promoting fairess under current laws,” Abalos added.
Key provisions of the bill include clearer definitions related to driving and road incidents, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and a reiteration of liabilities for parties involved in road safety incidents.
At present, House Bill No. 110 is pending before the House Committee on Transportation.