Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 9167

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

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 tum 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

JOEY SARTE SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 9167

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

AN ACT
TO CONSTRUCT PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS 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. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory Overpass Act of
2019.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is 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 that every human being is safe and secure every
minute and in every corner of the country.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. —

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

2. “National road/ Highway” referred herein as the network of roads
maintained by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
classified as National primary, National secondary, and National tertiary
roads under the Road Classification System.

SEC. 4. Coverage. — There shall be constructed under the supervision of the
Department of Public Works and Highways 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 vehicle traffic

SEC. 5. Role of Agencies. - The DPWH, with assistance from the Department of
Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and
the 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 the same.


SEC. 6. Appropriation. — The funds needed to implement this Act shall be included in
the budget of the DPWH under the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,