President Orders Review of Insurance Coverage
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carefully study a proposal aimed at increasing the insurance coverage for private cars involved in accidents with public utility vehicles (PUVs). This initiative focuses on addressing the current discrepancy where PUV passengers receive higher insurance benefits compared to victims in private vehicles.
Presidential Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro explained in a briefing, “Opo, pinag-utos na po ng Pangulo kay DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon na pag-aralan pong mabuti ang proposal tungkol sa higher insurance coverage para po sa PUVs. Ito naman po ay para sa karagdagang proteksyon para sa lahat ng maaaring mabiktima ng negligence o aksidente sa kalsada.”
(Yes, the President directed DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon to study the proposal about higher insurance coverage for PUVs. This is for additional protection to those who may be victimized by negligence or road accidents.)
However, Castro also emphasized that the proposal is still under careful consideration. “Pero muli, sasabihin po natin, pinag-aaralan po itong mabuti kung ito ba ay nararapat at ito po ba ay napapanahon,” she added. (But, let’s just say, we’re studying if this is proper and timely.)
Calls for Equal Insurance Benefits
The Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap) has urged the President to align the insurance system for PUVs with that of private motor vehicles. Their goal is to ensure fair compensation for families of victims in cases involving death or permanent disability.
Additional Measures to Improve Road Safety
In addition to reviewing insurance policies, the President has ordered a comprehensive review of driver licensing procedures and a thorough audit of bus operators. These measures come in response to recent road tragedies and aim to prevent future loss of lives.
He vowed that such incidents would not happen again, urging concerned agencies to implement necessary reforms and enforce stricter regulations.
Recent Road Accidents Highlight Urgency
Earlier this month, a tragic collision involving multiple vehicles at the Tarlac City Toll Plaza on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway claimed the lives of 10 people, including four children. Just three days later, two individuals died after an SUV crashed into the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
These incidents have intensified calls for better protection and stricter safety measures on Philippine roads.
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