Senate panel to review IRR on anti-distracted driving law

Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the decision came after several senators called for the temporary suspension of the law’s full implementation following public confusion and backlash. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA— A senate panel is set to review the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the anti-distracted driving law on May 30 to resolve several issues raised by motorists particularly on what items are prohibited while driving.

Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the decision came after several senators called for the temporary suspension of the law’s full implementation following public confusion and backlash.

The law penalizes the use of communication devices and other electronic entertainment and computing gadgets while driving on roads. However, transport authorities have seemingly “expanded” the law to cover even rosaries and other accessories.

Poe cautioned that this may open opportunities for extortion by unscrupulous enforcers.

“Paglabas ng regulasyon parang lumabis ito sa nasasaad sa batas. Nandoon na tayo na dapat ligtas pero hindi pwedeng sumobra sa kung ano ang pinapayagan ng batas (When the regulations came out, it seems like it exceeded what was stated in the law. We should prioritize safety but not exceed what is allowed by the law),” Poe told reporters in an interview.

“May mga bagay na kailangang linawin natin sa pagdinig kasi hindi naman tayo pwedeng magbigay ng regulasyon na mahirap ipatupad at pangalawa kung ipinatupad man ayaw naman natin itong maging sanhi ng pangongotong (There are issues we need to clarify in a hearing because we cannot make regulations that are difficult to implement and if are being implemented could be a cause for extortion),” she added.

On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III called on the Senate public services committee to “exercise its oversight functions” in reviewing the law’s enforcement as it may have “crossed the line” on its original intent. His speech was referred to Poe’s committee.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will also conduct its own review on the law’s IRR by convening a technical working group in coordination with various stakeholders.

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act (Republic Act 10913) prohibits motorists making or receiving calls, writing, sending or reading text-based communications, playing online games, watching movies, surfing or browsing the Internet, among others, while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an intersection.

Drivers are allowed, however, to apply hands-free function or applications in using such devices or gadgets as long as they do not obstruct with their line of sight.

They may use their devices to make or take emergency calls to authorities in cases of a crime, accidents, bomb or terrorist threat, fire or explosion, instances needing immediate medical attention, or when personal and safety is compromised.

Violators will be penalized with a fine of PHP 5,000 for the first offense, PHP10,000 for the second offense, and PHP15,000 for the third offense with a three-month suspension of driver’s license. Meanwhile, violations incurred beyond the third offense shall be penalized with the revocation of driver’s license and a fine of PHP20,000.