Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2
House Bill No. 2272

Introduced by Representatives Mariano Michael M. Velarde Jr., Jose L. Atienza Jr, and
Irwin C. Tieng (BUHAY Party List)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the leading case of Delsan Tranport Lines, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals, [G.R. No,
127897, November 15, 2001], the Supreme Court, with regard to public utility vehicles, made a
pronouncement to wit: “From the nature of their business and for reasons of public policy,
common carriers are bound to observe extraordinary diligence in the vigilance over the goods
and for the safety of passengers transported by them, according to all the circumstances of
each case.”,

Such is the heavy burden borne by the public transportation sector as the law recognizes the
delicate responsibility of these drivers and operators in carrying persons and goods to their
respective destinations.

Unfortunately, despite said legal imposition, tragedies like the Batangas expressway collision
that happened just at the turn of this year, and the buses diving-into-a-ravine incidents in
Cebu and Benguet just recently which have a combined death toll of close to a hundred, still
are prevalent in our country.

From the foregoing, it must be realized that our country needs to foster compliance of our
transportation laws in order to prevent not only deadly vehicular accidents, but to addr
the perennial problem of traffic congestion as well.

In this light, it is believed that all public transportation drivers must undergo a mandatory
seminar that will enable them to have a firm grasp and working understanding of the
country’s traffic rules and regulations. Through this endeavor, public utility vehicle drivers
will become partners of the Government in promoting orderly and safer roads for all.

Last 15% Congress, BUHAY Hayaan Yumabong Party List proposed this Bill and was referred
to the Committee on Trapsportation for deliberation. With the above-mentioned reasons, the

‘approval of this bill if eafinessly requested.
non jGobudual pre larde Jr.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2272

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives Mariano Michael M. Velarde Jr., Jose L. Atienza Jr. and
Irwin C. Tieng (BUHAY Party List)

AN ACT
REQUIRING MANDATORY SEMINAR ON TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR ALL PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE DRIVERS.

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 "Mandatory Seminar for PUV
Drivers Act of 2013."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote order and safety
in streets, highways and public thoroughfares. To this end, it shall be the policy of the State to
instill discipline in public utility vehicle drivers by ensuring their knowledge and
understanding of traffic rules and regulations.

SEC. 3. Mandatory Seminar for PUV Drivers. - The Department of Transportation and
Communication (DOTC), through its proper agency, shall conduct periodic mandatory
seminars for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

SEC. 4, Subject of the Seminar. - ‘The seminar shall tackle existing traffic rules and
regulations as well as defensive driving tips.

SEC. 5. - Practical Examination. - The DOTC, through its proper agency, shall
conduct a practical examination to be taken by each PUV driver finishing the seminar, The
examination shall determine whether the PUV driver can effectively apply what he or she has
learned during the seminar.

SEC. 6. Requirement for Driver's License. - All PUV drivers shall undergo the
mandatory seminar and pass the practical examination before a driver’s license or a renewal
thereof can be issued to them. A provisional driver's license may be issued to a potential
licensee pending the holding of the seminar and examination.

SEC. 7. - DOTC Personnel Training. - The DOTC shall ensure that it has adequate
personnel qualified to conduct the seminar. The DOTC shall provide regular training
opportunities for such personnel.

SEC. 8. - Private Sector Participation. ~ The DOTC shall encourage participation from
the private sector in the conduct of the seminar. Private sector resource persons shall be
invited and welcomed.

SEC. 9. - Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The DOTC, in coordination with the
Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising


and Regulatory Board (LTERB), shall formulate the necessary guidelines and promulgate
rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 10. Appropriation. - Such sums as may be necessary for the immediate
implementation of the provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of
any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, funds for its
implementation shall be included in the regular appropriations of the DOTC.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or moditied
accordingly.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
‘unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its complete publication in
at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation,

Approved,

fatde Jr.