Move to make Marilaque Highway safer launched

MANILA, Philippines — Following the fatal motorcycle stunt along Marilaque Highway in Tanay, Rizal, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday launched a campaign to make the road safe again for motorists.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II and Sen. JV Ejercito led rider groups and road safety stakeholders in launching the “Make Marilaque Road Safe Again.”

Ejercito is a known motorcycle enthusiast.

During the event, Mendoza cited data from the PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) showing that 31,000 road accidents with 2,747 fatalities occurred across the country last year.

Mendoza said 47,206 vehicles, including 15,000 motorcycles were involved in accidents in 2024.

“I saw the road accident figures from the HPG, and the data is saddening. It is unfortunate that a person had to pass away to awaken us. We will take advantage of this momentum to promote road safety not only along Marilaque, but in all parts of the country,” he said.

Mendoza said charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide would be filed against the organizer of the stunt exhibition that resulted in the death of motovlogger John Louie Arguelles and injury to six others.

“One death due to a road accident is too many. That’s why we have been advocating for road safety. Our objective this year is to reduce at least by half the number of road accidents reported in 2024,” he said. 

Mendoza said that law enforcement alone could not ensure safety in all roads; education and training are necessary to achieve this.

He said the LTO will maximize the commitment made by the private sector to provide the necessary training and to reach as many motorists as possible across the country.

He said the process in approving applications for a driver’s license will be tightened.