Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

306

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable road users, especially in less developed
countries. Therefore, pedestrian safety must be a primary concern that the government addresses.
Road accidents involving pedestrians are prevalent in our country due to several factors, including
road-user behavior, road geometry, road conditions, vehicle characteristics, environmental factors,
and the volume and frequency of pedestrians on the road.

Government interventions aimed at improving road safety have primarily focused on the
safety of motorists rather than pedestrians. It is essential to prioritize the safety and protection of
pedestrians to minimize accidents. One approach to achieving this is to reduce the number of
pedestrians crossing national roads.

This bill proposes the construction of overpasses on all national roads that are adjacent to
public or private schools, where large numbers of pedestrians gather. This measure will
significantly reduce pedestrian traffic on these roads.

In light of the above, the immediate consideration and approval of this measure is earnestly
sought.

SALVADO) *LEYTO, SR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

305

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.

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

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 “Overpass Act of 2025.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to safeguard life,
health, property, and the general welfare of the people. ‘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 highway

b. National Road / Highway ~ refers to 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. 4, Coverage. — An overpass in every school situated along national road or highways
shall be constructed under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways to
allow pedestrians to safely cross without interrupting the smooth flow of traffic.

SEC. 5. Role of Agencies. — The DPWH, 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. 6. Appropriations, ~ The funds needed to implement the provision of this Act shall
be included in the budget of the DPWH under the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause -If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional, other
provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. ~ All other laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules
and regulations, or part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby likewise repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,