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BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Saturday, May 20, 2017
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ILOILO City – Drivers are the obvious beneficiaries of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, which prohibits the use of cellphones and other electronic gadgets while driving, according to transport group leaders.
But it appears the law is unclear to some, according to Association of Taxi Operators in Panay president Perfecto Yap. “Daw indi pa gid klaro sa kabilogan, iba-iba ang pag-interpret,” he said.
Yap acknowledged that, largely, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act is “for the safety and security of our riding public” as well.
But information about the law must be disseminated well, especially to those in the transport business, said Yap.
“Hatagan tani anay sang tiempo. Tutal nakabutang na sang layi, at least three months nga information dissemination antes i-implementar,” he said.
On Thursday the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 started deploying field personnel to enforce the law. “Citizens must follow this law,” stressed Regional Director Roland Ramos.
Yap said he met with his cabbies and warned them against using their mobile devices when driving lest they get penalized.
Raymundo Parcon, president of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA), also favors the law.
“Amo na (using cellphones while driving) ang isa sa mga halinan sang disgrasya sang salakyan sa dalanon,” Parcon told Panay News.
Many public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers make calls or types text messages while driving, he noted. “Dapat ang duha nila ka kamot indi gid maghalin sa manibela.”
PUJ drivers must switch off their cellphones while on the road. If they must take a call or type a text, they should pull over, Parcon stressed.
“Kon ako makakita, ako gid mapadakop or ako mismo ang madakop sang PUJ driver,” he warned, although he assured that ICLAJODA drivers were already made aware of the new law.
Violators will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third offense with a three-month suspension of driver’s license.
Violations incurred beyond the third offense shall be penalized with the revocation of driver’s license and a fine of P20,000.
Ramos said that being stuck in traffic or stopping at a red light is not an exemption from using gadgets. Motorists may only use their phones to call authorities during emergencies such as accidents or crime incidents, he clarified.
Using hands-free devices is allowed but headsets, earphones and microphones may only be used when calling and receiving calls. Listening to music with such devices is prohibited.
“The perspective of the three to five seconds rule, that within such short period of time something bad can possibly happen, is what we aim to prevent,” said Ramos.
The LTO, as the lead agency enforcing the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, would be working with the Philippine National Police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Education.
All other government agencies are being tasked to coordinate with the LTO with the implementation of the law.
The LTO also has the authority to deputize police officers and local government units to carry out enforcement duties./PN
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