FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2709 
Introduced by SENATOR MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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A road incidental report prepared by the' Philippines Global Road Safety 
Partnership (PGRSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that cell 
phone-related accidents significantly jumped from 70 cases in 2008 to 491 in 2009. 
This translates to an increase of 601 percent in road accidents involving motorists 
using cellular phones while driving. The PGRSP-PNP report showed that the total 
number of road-related deaths reached 624 last year, including accidents involving 
motorists using cellular phones while driving. 
While cellular phones have become an integral part of both our business and 
personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents transform this 
technological gadget into a dangerous device. The danger is not only to the lives and 
limbs of the general driving public but also to the innocent pedestrians. 
Since the necessity of using mobile phones does not prevail over the need to 
ensure road safety this bill proposes to regulate the use of mobile phones while 
driving through promoting hands free devices so that drivers may not be distracted 
while driving. It promotes the responsible use of cellular phones while driving and 
promotes driver awareness of the dangers of road traffic. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is urgently requested. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2709 
Introduced by SENATOR MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
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FEB 17 P 3 :28 
REGULATING THE USE OF MOBILE PHONE WHILE DRIVING, PROVIDING 
PENALTIES IN VIOLATION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to maintain 
peace and order. protect life, liberty and property, and promote the general welfare 
of the people. 
While the State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in 
nation-building, the State puts premium on the life and safety of its citizens by 
regulating the use of communication gadgets. 
Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this ·Act, the following terms 
shall mean: 
a) Cellular Phone - is a portable electronic device used for mobile voice or 
data communication over a network of specialized base stations known as 
cell sites. In addition to the standard voice function of a cellular phone, current 
mobile phones may support many additional services and accessories, such as SMS 
for text messaging, email, pachet switching for access to the internet, gaming, 
bluetooths, infrared, camera with video recorder and MMS for sending and receiving 
photos and videos. 
b) Text Messages - Means the use of message sending by pressing the 
keypad of the cellular phone in composing a message and sending it through the 
phone; 
c) Accessories - means the devise or apparatus that can be connected to the 
cellular phone such as, but not limited to earphones, microphones, jacks, which are 
capable of sending, receiving, storing or otherwise. processing messages from other 
modes of communication. 
Sec. 3. Use of Cellular Phone While Driving. -To carry out the above-
mentioned policy, the use of mobile phones for text messaging and/or for dial-up 
communication shall be allowed while driving all types of vehicles: Provided, That, 
different hands-free accessories shall be connected therein. 
This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for 
emergency purposes, including but not limited to, an emergency call to a law 
enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency 
services agency or entity. 
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This section does not also apply to emergency services professional using a 
wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, in the course 
and scope of higher duties. 
Sec. 4. Penal Provision -Violation of this Act shall be punishable by: 
(a) First Offense -fine of One Thousand Pesos (P 1,000.00); 
(b) Second Offense - fine of Three Thousand Pesos (P 3,000.00); 
(c)Third and succeeding Offenses - a fine of not less than Three Thousand 
Pesos (P 3,000.00) but not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (P 10,000.00) and/or 
imprisonment of not more than one (1) year at the discretion of the Court. 
Sec. 5. Information Dissemination - The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 
shall undertake a massive information campaign r.elevant to the implementation of 
this Act. All telecommunication companies and mobile phone service providers are 
likewise mandated to inform the subscribers and phone users basic and necessary 
details that would effectively carry out the objectives of this Act. 
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any part, se.ction, or provision of this Act shall 
be held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
Sec. 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation, 
Approved, 
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