Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.__ 6562

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the policy of the state to recognize the vital role of communication and
information in nation building.

There has been a lack of discipline among drivers in the Philippines, both public and
private creating a series of bad habits that nearly all drivers are affected in one way or
another.

“Beating the Red light” especially at night (one of the main causes of road
collisions), changing lanes too often, tailgating, using hazard lights to park
anywhere, unloading passengers anywhere, hogging the overtaking lane, blocking
intersections, and bribing traffic officers especially near no unloading areas.

In an effort to aid the enforcement of discipline and reduce traffic congestion due
to traffic violators, this representation proposes the implementation of a comprehensive
“Rules of the Road Handbook”, wherein proper etiquette, driver safety, and traffic
discipline are emphasized.

All motor vehicles will likewise be required to have a copy of said handbook
stressing Article three (3) of the Civil Code which provides that ignorance of the law
excuses no one, in compliance therewith.

In view of the foregoing, the earnest passage of this bill is urgently sought.

Representative
2" District Caloocan City


Republic of the Philippines

Aouse of Representatives

@urzon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6562

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

AN ACT COMPILING THE TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE
PHILIPPINES INTO AN OFFICAL “RULES OF THE ROAD HANDBOOK”

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

SECTION I. Title. This act shall be known as the “Rules of the Road Handbook”

SECTION 2. State Policy. It is the policy of the state to recognize the vital role of
communication and information in nation building, as well as to protect the right
of its citizens in ensuring safe road passage.

SECTION 3. Responsibilities of agencies.

The Land Transportation Office is hereby mandated to compile traffic rules and
regulations into a single understandable hand book entitle such the “Rules of the
Road Handbook”, as well as to publish and distribute the same.

In addition, the LTO is tasked to inform vehicle owners of the requirement to
maintain a copy of the handbook within the motor vehicle when operating the
same, upon registration/ renewal of the motor vehicle, which is mandatory and
prerequisite for annual motor vehicle registration.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is here
by mandated to create an official program or application which will contain all
details and text of the Rules of the Road Hand Book, making available the
program or application for public use and copy.


SECTION 4. Rules of the Road Hand Book
The “Rules of the Road handbook” shall contain but not limited to the following:

(a.) All applicable rules of Chapter IV “Traffic Rules” of Republic Act
4136.

(b.) Corresponding step by step pictures, graphs and available legal actions
per traffic situation, ex: picture of appropriate movements within a
rotunda, or proper actions to be taken when overtaking in a highway.

(c.) Proper actions, contact numbers, and safety tips when involved and or
witness to an accident, ensuring that damages are mitigated and crucial
first few minutes after a serious accident are properly facilitated.

(d.) Summary in either graph or text form of applicable offenses and
corresponding up to date penalties.

Persons covered.

In addition to having a properly maintained motor vehicle as provided for in R.A.
4136 and, corresponding and proper driver’s license, all persons operating a
motor vehicle whether public or private must have a copy whether digital or in
print of the Rules of the Road hand book in the motor vehicle while operating the
same,

SECTION 5. Liabilities.

Failure to possess a copy whether digital or in print of the “Rules of the Road Handbook”
shall constitute traffic violation.

SECTION 6. Penalties and fines

(a.) For failure to present a copy of the Rules of the Road hand book either digital or in
print when operating a motor vehicle, warning or reprimand on first offense, a fine of five
hundred pesos (Php 500) for the second, and one thousand pesos (Php 1,000) for the third
and succeeding offenses.

(b.) For any and all violations pertaining to Chapter IV of Republic Act 4136, oral
recitation of specific passages from the “Rules of the Road Handbook” particularly those
found within Chapter IV of Republic Act 4136 titled: Traffic Rules. Exempted are those
in need of immediate medical treatment, in cases of a medical emergency, or in life
threatening situations such as but not limited to during natural disasters.


(c.) Punishment for other offenses.
The conviction of any person for any offense under this Act shall not bar his prosecution
for any other offense which may have been committed by such person concurrently with

the commission of the offense of which he was convicted or in doing the act or series of
acts which constituted the offense of which he was convicted.

SECTION 7. Funding and Appropriations.
‘The amount necessary to carry out the implementation of this Act shall be charged
against the current appropriations of the Land Transportation Office, and DICT

accordingly, Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its full implementation shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause.

All laws inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause.

If for any reason any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts
r portions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause.

All acts, decrees. general orders and circulars, or parts thereof inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least two (2)
newspapers of general Circulation.

Approved,