Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House BILLNo, 1218

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

AN ACT
TO CONSTRUCT OVERPASS IN ALL NATIONAL ROADS
WITH PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 270,000 pedestrians
die on roads each year which account for 22 percent of the 1.24 million road traffic deaths,
This indicates that pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. We are all pedestrians, and
governments should put in place measures to better protect all of us. This will not only save
lives, but create the conditions needed to make walking safe. When roads are safe, people will
walk more, and this in turn will improve health and protect the environment.

Statistics also show that children make up a high proportion of pedestrian deaths and
injuries. Because children are smaller, less visible and are often unpredictable, they are more
vulnerable, than any other road user, to vehicular accidents. Drivers must therefore exercise
extraordinary degree of care in school zones which are doubly dangerous to children when
these schools are located along national highways. One engineering intervention that would
enhance safety to pupils and students is by constructing an overpass near schools, private or
public, over national roads where they cross when going and coming from the school.

Thus, it is for the above reason that the construction of overpass in all national roads or
highways with schools is being earnestly sought for the safety of pedestrians, especially
children, and easing traffic in major roads.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnes


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 1218

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

AN ACT
TO CONSTRUCT OVERPASS IN ALL NATIONAL ROADS.
WITH PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory Overpass Act
of 2019”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. —Itis the policy of the State to afford or promote safety
to pedestrians, especially the most vulnerable road users, as provided by law. The State
recognizes the sanctity of life and ensures every human being is safe and secure every minute
and in every corner of the world.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. ~

(a) “Overpass” refers to a footbridge or similar structure that crosses over a road or
national highway.

(b) “National Road/Highway” refers herein as the network of roads maintained by the
Department of Public Works and Highways classified as national primary, national
secondary and national tertiary roads under the Road Classification System

SEC. 3. Coverage. ~ There shall be constructed under the supervision of the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) an overpass in every, or nearby school situated along


a national road or highway to allow pedestrians safe crossing over busy roads without
interrupting the smooth flow of traffic.

SEC. 4. Role of Agencies. - The Department of Public Works and Highways, with the
assistance from the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is hereby
mandated to be the lead agency in the implementation of this Act to formulate a guideline,
identification and to structure a timetable to ensure the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Appropriation. - The funds needed to implement this Act shall be included in
the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways under the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, ~ Within ninety (90) days from the
approval of this Act, the SEC shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders and proclamations,
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby amended or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and

effect.

SEC. 9, Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,