Passage of bill criminalizing use of cell phones while driving sought

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Tarlac 2nd district Rep. Susan Yap has urged her colleagues to support her bill criminalizing the use of mobile phones while driving.

House Bill 318 imposes a fine of P3,000 to P10,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year for violators.

Citing a report of the Philippines Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), Yap said accidents caused by the use of mobile phones rose 601 percent to 491 in 2009 from 70 cases in 2008.  

“While cellular phones have become an integral part of our business and personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents have transformed this technological gadget into a dangerous device,” she said.

Persons caught calling or texting while driving will be pulled over by traffic enforcers.

She said using mobile phones while driving endangers not only the lives of drivers but also those of pedestrians.

“The early passage of the bill can save a lot of lives and property and everyone shall benefit from the safety of our roads again,” Yap said.

The proposal is pending in the House committee on transportation.    

Similar bills filed in the previous Congresses imposed a lower fine of P500 for violators.