MANILA, Philippines – Central lawmakers have urged Congress to fast-track the approval of a bill imposing stiffer penalties against motorists who are caught using their cell phones while driving. The lawmakers led by Rep. Susan Yap Sulit (2nd District, Tarlac), author of House Bill 318, said the measure will declare this dangerous habit a criminal act.
Under the bill, drivers may be pulled over by traffic policemen if caught talking or texting while driving.
"While cellular phones have become an integral part of both business and personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents has transformed this technological gadget into a dangerous device," Yap Sulit said. "The danger is not only to the lives and limbs of the general driving public but also to the innocent pedestrians.".
The bill imposes a fine ranging from P3,000 to P10,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.
Yap Sulit cited the report of the Philippines Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) showing that cell phone-related accidents significantly increased from 70 cases in 2008 to 491 in 2009.
"The data translates to an increase of 601 percent in road accidents involving motorists using cellular phones while driving," Yap Sulit said.
"While the State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in national building, the State puts premium on the life and safety of its citizen by regulating the use of communication gadgets," she said. "The early passage of the bill can save a lot of lives and properties and everyone shall benefit from the safety of our roads again.
