FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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9 
JBN 26 A9 :!57 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Second Regular Session 
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SENATE 
S.B. NO. 3013 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to regulate the use of cellular phones while driving. As we 
know, cellular phones have now become a necessity for everybody. All sectors of 
society, of all ages and classes, have their own mobile phones. This has also 
resulted to the prevalence of the use of text messaging, or the short message 
service (SMS), a common feature of modem mobile phones. In addition, the 
Philippines has been known to be the texting capital of the world. 
Then again, the necessity of using mobile phones does not prevail over the 
need to ensure road safety. There have been reports that using mobile phones 
while driving causes distraction among drivers. Therefore, it contributes to 
accidents happening on the road. This bill seeks to address such concern. It 
proposes to regulate the use of mobiIe phones while driving through promoting 
hands free devices so that drivers may not be distracted while driving. 
Road safety is of prime importance. Thus, passage of this bill is earnestly 
requested. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF CELLULAR PHONE WHILE DRIVING 
AND PROVIDING PENALTIES IN VIOLATION THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress, assembled: 
Section I. Declaration of Poky. - 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 Satet 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; 
b) Short Message Service (SMS) is a communications 
protocol allowing the interchange of short text 
messages between phone devices; 
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 gadgets of 
communication. 
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Sec. 3. Use of Cellular Phone While Driving. - To carry out the above- 
mentioned policy, the use of mobile phones for text messaging andlor for dial-up 
communication while driving all types of vehicles shall be allowed provided, that 
appropriate hands-free accessories shall be installed therein. 
Sec. 4. Penal Provision -Violation of this Act shall be punishable by: 
(a) First Offense -fine of Three Thousand Pesos (P 3,000.00) 
(b) Second Offense - fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00) 
(c) Third and succeeding Offenses - a fine of not less than Five 
Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00) but not more than Ten Thousand 
Pesos (P 10,000.00) andlor imprisonment of not more than one (1) 
year at the discretion of the Court. 
Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this Act 
shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions shall not be affected 
thereby. 
Sec. 6. 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. 7. Rfectivity. - This Act shall take effect (1 5) days after its complete 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved, 
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