Following direct orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has issued a strong call to action, urging road safety advocates to collaborate with the government in a comprehensive effort to make Philippine roads safer. Secretary Dizon, during a recent dialogue with key stakeholders, emphasized the urgent need to overhaul what he described as a “broken system.”
“The President’s message is that we have to change this, and he gave his green light to go all-out to reform the broken system. The first step is really to acknowledge that the system is not working,” Secretary Dizon stated, underscoring the administration’s firm commitment to significant road safety reforms.
Secretary Dizon highlighted several critical issues plaguing the current system that contribute to road accidents and fatalities. These include:
Non-appearance and circumvention in mandatory procedures: This encompasses individuals not physically present for driver’s license medical check-ups, application examinations, and emission and roadworthiness tests.
Insufficient oversight in public utility vehicle (PUV) operations: This points to the need for stricter mandatory drug testing for PUV drivers.
Deficiencies in driver training and licensing: This covers the inadequacy of comprehensive practical driving tests and inconsistent, poor instructional practices in theoretical driving courses.
Loopholes in administrative processes: This refers to issues in license conversion and renewal, as well as inadequate coverage or fraudulent practices in insurance policies.
Weak enforcement and penalties: This includes lenient traffic violation penalties and ineffective traffic enforcement.
In response to these challenges, the DOTr is actively pushing for the adoption of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028. This strategic plan employs a five-pronged approach aimed at significantly reducing road crash fatalities and injuries across the country.
Secretary Dizon’s appeal to road safety advocates marks a pivotal moment in the government’s drive to enhance road safety. The DOTr is committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to implement systemic changes that will lead to safer roads for all Filipinos.
