Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

H.B No, 9425

Introduced by: Honorable Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to include a driver's education program in the senior year
curriculum of all public and private secondary schools throughout the country.

Road Accidents are now one of the leading causes of death globally. In the
Philippines, according to the data from the PNP-TMG, most deaths in traffic-related
accidents are attributable to driving error, overspeeding, using of cellphone while
driving, bad overtaking and turning, among others, In 2012, the Department of
Transportation and Communications (DOTC) provided data which show that 79% of
road crash fatalities are caused by driving error, and faulty or defective motor
vehicles. The Department of Health (DOH) feared that if the problem will not be
resolved quickly, road accidents will be the top leading cause of death among
Filipinos by the year 2020.

There are many factors that cause road related accidents and deaths, some of
which are the lack of knowledge and understanding of motorists about traffic rules
and regulations, road markings and signs as well as lack of personal precautionary
measures when on the road. Road accidents and injuries are predictable and
preventable. It is important for every motorist to understand the ways in which road
safety can be successfully applied. The government must also ensure proper
education of the people especially motorists and future drivers regarding road signs,
markings and traffic rules and regulations.

The driver's education program will prepare the students as early as possible
on the basic knowledge in driving a motor vehicle. Thru the proposed program,
students will develop their driving skills, understand traffic rules and regulations,
appreciate the causes, seriousness and consequences of traffic accidents especially
the danger involved while driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This
program will enable them to assess their attitudes, values and behaviour on the road


and instill in them the sense of responsibility that comes from acquiring the correct
knowledge about driving motor vehicles. The inclusion of the driver's education
Program in the senior year curriculum of all private and public secondary schools in
the Philippines will also help our future drivers to be more diligent behind the wheels
ensuring not only their safety but the safety of their passengers and the pedestrians
as well.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is highly
recommended.

Z°<'

ANTONIO F, MEO, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

H.B No, 5425

Introduced by Honorable Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE DRIVER’ S EDUCATION
PROGRAM IN THE SENIOR YEAR CURRICULUM OF ALL PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The driver's education program shall be included in the senior
year curriculum of all public and private secondary schools to educate the youth on
the importance of being responsible drivers, ensuring not only their own safety but
the safety of their passengers and the pedestrians as well.

SEC 2. The instruction on driver's education shall be taught to senior high
school students, ages 16 and above, in all public and private schools. During the
actual driving lessons, the student shall be accompanied by a professional driving
Instructor who is qualified and accredited by the Technical Education Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) and granted a professional drivers license by the
Land Transportation Office (LTO). The vehicle that will be used in the driving lessons
shall be maintained and equipped by the school where the student is enrolled to
ensure the safety of the students.

SEC 3. The Department of Education shall adopt course content standards for
the driver's education which shall include knowledge on the operation and
maintenance of motor vehicle, road traffic rules and regulations, mental and physical
components of driving, correct eye usage, defensive driving, effects of alcohol, drugs
and distraction on the driving task, and trouble shooting skills.


The driver's education program will be for 10 hours of actual driving and 30
hours of classroom instruction. The student driver who will successfully pass the
examination including the actual driving test will receive a certificate of completion at
the end of the course.

After receiving the certificate of completion, the student can already get a
student drivers permit without taking the regular tests required by the LTO.

SEC 4. The Secretary of Education shall, in coordination with the Secretary of
‘Transportation and Communications, issue the necessary rules and regulations for
the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC 5. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
charged to the appropriations for the Department of Education. Thereafter, such sum
as may be necessary for its continuous implementation shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,