(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill that would require school buses to have seat belts.
“The safety and security of our students are not just priorities but are foundational to our national progress,” said Estrada who filed Senate Bill No. 2958 or the proposed School Bus Safety Act.
“By ensuring that our students are protected during their daily commute, we are investing in the future of our nation,” he added.
The proposed measure, school buses cannot be registered without the required seat belts.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), which shall be the primary agency responsible for implementing the proposed measure
“This bill makes safety a top priority, holds transport providers accountable, and aligns with global road safety standards,” said Estrada.
“Sa lahat ng pagkakataon, nais nating mga magulang na matiyak at maipagkakatiwala natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga anak sa ganitong uri ng transportation services,” he added.
Estrada lamented that a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report showed that there has been a 39 percent increase in road traffic fatalities from 2011 to 2021.
The PSA report said that there have been 11.,096 deaths in 2021 compared to 7,938 deaths in 2011.
“The lack of regulated safety standards for school buses and drivers expose students to unnecessary risks, jeopardizing their well-being,” said the lawmaker.