The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the filing of House Bill (HB) No. 9997, a legislative measure which seeks to reduce the number of road traffic-related accidents in the country through the integration of relevant safety education in the country’s school curriculum.

HB No. 9997 highlights the vulnerability of children and youth to road traffic injuries, especially those who experience “long commutes to and from school.” It also recognizes the challenges faced by those with disabilities, given that they are “at an increased risk when travelling on roads not supported by disability-inclusive signs.”[1]

The CHR lauds this initiative of Reps. Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel and Edcel C. Lagman, who principally authored this bill. We also recognize its co-authors, which includes (but not limited to) Reps. Jocelyn Limkaichong, Fernando Cabredo, Romulo Roman, Ron Salo, Rodante Marcoleta, and Ciriaco B. Gato Jr.

This bill positively instills road safety consciousness and awareness amongst Filipino students to be responsible users of public roads, thereby ensuring both their own safety and those that they share the road with. Road safety is not only a matter of public health but also a fundamental human right, as it directly impacts individuals’ right to life, safety, and mobility. This legislation affirms the State’s obligation to protect and promote the welfare of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable populations, such as children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. CHR also welcomes the inclusive approach of the bill, which emphasizes the welfare of children with disabilities and acknowledges their specific needs in navigating public spaces.

This will also pave the way for the promotion of the use of public transportation amongst Filipinos, while ensuring that the infrastructures and systems necessary are also being put up by the State. After all, incentivizing the use of public transit amongst commuters will signal a significant shift towards viewing sustainable transportation as an inherent right by itself—the right to freedom of movement.

To ensure a well-rounded learning experience for Filipino youth, it is vital for Congress to enact measures that enhance the understanding of every citizen’s responsibility toward road safety, starting in the classroom. CHR emphasizes that the protection of road users, particularly the youth and persons with disabilities, is crucial to upholding their right to a safe environment, reinforcing road safety education as an important human rights matter. ###

[1] HB No. 9997, An Act Integrating Road Safety Education in the Curriculum of the Basic Education (K to 12) Program https://docs.congress.hrep.online/legisdocs/basic_19/HB09997.pdf