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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO, 3917

Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to promote road safety in the Philippines by increasing qualifications
for drivers. This shall serve as a means to enhance road safety by ensuring all-encompassing
driver qualifications and screening examinations.

According to data from the United Nations, an average of 32 people die each day in
the Philippines due to road accidents. This alarming figure is echoed by recent reports from
the Philippine National Police (PNP), which recorded a 35% increase in road accident-related
deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year. The surge in fatalities reflects a deepening road
safety crisis that demands urgent attention.

A closer look at the PNP’s data reveals that 27, 248 road accidents, accounting for
87% of total cases, were caused by reckless driving. These include misbehaviors, such as
improper overtaking, illegal turning, overspeeding, drunk driving, overloading, and the use of
mobile phones while driving. Such actions are not just dangerous, they are outright violations
of road and traffic laws.

The prevalence of these unsafe practices has even given rise to the popular Filipino
term “Kamote Driver” —a term now commonly used to describe motorists who engage in
reckless and inconsiderate behavior behind the wheel. These drivers often ignore basic traffic
rules and ethical standards, contributing to a growing number of injuries, fatalities, and
property damage. The reported infractions are no longer isolated incidents; they have beeome
disturbingly common on the Philippine roads.

These recurring incidents underscore two primary gaps in our current transportation
framework: (1) insufficient screening and qualification standards for drivers, and (2) lack of
road discipline, likely rooted in inadequate knowledge of traffic laws and road safety
protocols.


In response to these gaps, this proposed bill seeks to introduce amendments to Section
22 of Republic Act No. 4136, otherwise known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic
Code.” Specifically, this measure aims to raise the standards for the issuance of driver’s
licenses in the country. By strengthening pre-licensure requirements—such as age, theoretical
education, practical driving proficiency, and comprehensive road safety training—the
government can ensure that only qualified and responsible individuals are authorized to
operate motor vehicles,

This bill advocates for the establishment of a stricter, competency-based qualification
framework for drivers, based on the class or type of vehicle they intend to operate. The goal
is to create a more rigorous licensing system that filters out unfit drivers and instills greater
awareness and adherence to traffic rules

Ultimately, the proposed measure does not merely impose stricter requirements—it
seeks to instill a culture of accountability, responsibility, and discipline among all road users.
Through this proactive and preventive approach, this bill hopes to reduce unsafe driving
behaviors, protecting lives and property, and building a safer transportation environment for
all Filipinos.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JAIM NEDI
R&résentative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

0, 3917

Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi

AN ACT
INCREASING DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4136, AS AMENDED,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
CODE”, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 22 of Republic Act No. 4136, as amended, is further amended to
read as follows:

“SECTION 22. Application for Driver's License, Fees, Examination. —
Every person who desires to personally operate any motor vehicle shall file an
application to the Director or his deputies for a license to drive motor vehicles
Provided, however, That no person shall be issued a professional driver’s license
who is suffering from contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis, sexually
transmitted diseases and epilepsy or who is an alcohol or drug addict or
dependent.

[Each such application, except in the case of enlisted men operating
government-owned vehicles, shall be accomplished by a fee of five pesos, and
shall contain such information respecting the applicant and his ability to operate
motor vehicles, as may be required by the Bureau.

The Director or his deputies shall also ascertain that the applicant's
health, sight, and hearing are sound and normal, and is physically and mentally
fit to operate motor vehicles. To this end, the Director or his deputies shall
require a certificate to that effect, signed by a reputable accredited physician.

[An examination, theoretical and practical, to determine every
applicant's ability and fitness to operate motor vehicles to be conducted by the

1


Director in such form and manner as he shall prescribe shall also be required.)
ALL APPLICANTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO
INSTRUCTION ON TRAFFIC RULES, ROAD SAFETY AND
ETIQUETTE, AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLES THEY INTEND
TO OPERATE. A manual containing the general scope of the examinations and
such information as may be necessary for the guidance of the applicants and for
the purpose of effectivity and implementation of this Act may be published in an
official language and distributed at no cost to the applicants.

No application for a driver’s license shall be received, unless the applicant

(1) For a professional driver’s license, is at least [eighteen] TWENTY-ONE
(21) years of age, [possesses a valid student-driver’s permit and has
undergone instruction in the operation of motor vehicles for at least five
months under a qualified instructor: Provided, however, That the period of
time the applicant has operated a motor vehicle with a non-professional
driver’s license shall be credited against the period of instruction required
herein] HAS POSSESSED A NON-PROFESSIONAL DRIVER'S
LICENSE FOR AT LEAST TWO (2) YEARS, HAS UNDERGONE
INSTRUCTION ON LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING,
ROAD SAFETY, AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLES THEY
INTEND TO OPERATE, AND HAS PASSED BOTH THEORETICAL
AND PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS ON THE SAME; and

(2) For a non-professional driver’s license, is at least seventeen years of age,
possesses a valid student-driver’s permit [and], has undergone instruction in
the operation of motor vehicles for at least a month].], AND HAS PASSED
A THEORETICAL EXAMINATION ON THE SAID TOPICS, IN
ADDITION TO A PRACTICAL EXAMINATION UNDER VARIOUS
ROAD CONDITIONS FOR EVERY CLASS OF VEHICLE THEY
INTEND TO OPERATE.

(3) FOR A LICENSE TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH THREE
WHEELS OR LESS, A PROFESSIONAL OR NON-PROFESSIONAL
LICENSE AS THE CASE MAY BE, AND HAS UNDERGONE
INSTRUCTION ON THE OPERATION OF SUCH VEHICLES,
TRAFFIC RULES AND ROAD COURTESY FOR SUCH VEHICLES,
AND PASSED BOTH A THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL
EXAMINATION ON THE SAME.

SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - The Land Transportation Office, in
consultation and cooperation with relevant goverment agencies and stakeholders, shall
promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act.


SEC. 3. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the departments and
agencies concemed. Thereafter, such amount shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be deemed
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected there shall remain in force and
effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. ~ All Acts, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders and
Administrative Orders, Rules and Regulations and other such issuances or parts thereof
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

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

Approved,