Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
5
House Bill No,_ 8958

Introduced by Representatives Michael M. Velarde and William Irwin Tieng
(BUHAY Party List)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the leading case of Delsan Tranport Lines, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals, [G.R. No,
127897, November 15, 2001}, the Supreme Court, with regard to public utility vehicles,
mafde a pronouncement to wit: “From the nature of their business and for reasons of
public policy, common carriers are bound to observe extraordinary diligence in the
vigilance over the goods and for the safety of passengers transported by them,
according to all the circumstances of each case.”.

Such is the heavy burden borne by the public transportation sector as the law
recognizes the delicate responsibility of these drivers and operators in carrying persons
and goods to their respective destinations.

Unfortunately, despite said legal imposition, tragedies like the Batangas expressway
collision that happened just at the turn of this year, and the buses diving-into-a-ravine
incidents in Benguet and Cebu last 2010, which have a combined death toll of close to a
hundred, still are prevalent in our country.

With vehicular accidents in general, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has
consistently reported that the major cause of such mishaps is human error. To
emphasize this point, Senator Francis Escudero recently crafted a piece of legislation
which seeks the imposition of stiffer penal sanctions to reckless drivers of public utility
vehicles.

From the foregoing, it must be realized that our country needs to foster compliance of
our transportation laws in order to prevent not only deadly vehicular accidents, but to
address the perennial problem of traffic congestion as well.

In this light, it is believed that all public transportation drivers must undergo a
mandatory seminar that will enable them to have a firm grasp and working
understanding of the country’s traffic rules and regulations. Through this endeavor,
public utility vehicle drivers will become partners of the Government in promoting
orderly and safer roads for all.

eitke, the mrt Dill is earnestly requested.



(BUHAY Party List)
Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session.

53
House Bill No,_ 8958

Introduced by Representatives Michael M. Velarde and William Irwin Tieng
(BUHAY Party List)

AN ACT
REQUIRING MANDATORY SEMINAR ON TRAFFIC RULES AND
REGULATIONS FOR ALL PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE DRIVERS.

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mandatory Seminar
for PUV Drivers Act of 2011."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote order and
safety in streets, highways and public thoroughfares. ‘To this end, it shall be the policy
of the State to instill discipline in public utility vehicle drivers by ensuring their
knowledge and understanding of traffic rules and regulations.

SEC. 3. Mandatory Seminar for PUV Drivers. - The Department of
Transportation and Communication (DOTC), through its proper agency, shall conduct
periodic mandatory seminars for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

+ SEC. 4. Subject of the Seminar. - The seminar shall tackle existing traffic rules
and regulations as well as defensive driving tips.

SEC. 5. - Practical Examination. - The DOTC, through its proper agency, shall
conduct a practical examination to be taken by each PUV driver finishing the seminar.
The examination shall determine whether the PUV driver can effectively apply what he
or she has learned during the seminar.

SEC. 6. Requirement for Driver's License. - All PUV drivers shall undergo the
mandatory seminar and pass the practical examination before a driver's license or a
renewal thereof can be issued to them. A provisional driver's license may be issued toa
potential licensee pending the holding of the seminar and examination.

SEC. 7. - DOTC Personnel Training. - The DOTC shall ensure that it has
adequate personnel qualified to conduct the seminar. The DOTC shall provide regular
training opportunities for such personnel.


SEC. 8. - Private Sector Participation. - The DOTC shall encourage
participation from the private sector in the conduct of the seminar. Private sector
resource persons shall be invited and welcomed.

SEC. 9. - Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOTC, in coordination
with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising
and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), shall formulate the necessary guidelines and
promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 10, Appropriation. - Such sums as may be necessary for the immediate
implementation of the provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated
out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, funds
for its implementation shall be included in the regular appropriations of the DOTC

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

+ SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

SEC, 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation,

Approved,
Hon. Michael Vi, Velarde

Hon. William Irwin fRieng
(BUHAY Party List)