THE Philippine government is pushing for higher insurance coverage for public utility vehicle (PUV) passengers, following a series of deadly road accidents that prompted President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to demand reforms to bolster commuter safety.
Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said on Wednesday that the administration will align mandatory insurance coverage for PUVs, including buses and jeepneys, with levels provided in the private transport sector.
“It’s a very good idea,” Mr. Dizon told reporters in Filipino in an ambush interview in Malacañang, citing the President’s direct orders. “We will push for this, and we will work with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to enforce it.”
The renewed focus on insurance comes after recent incidents involving PUVs that led to multiple deaths and serious injuries.
“Our passengers pay for their ride. In return, they must get home safe,” Mr. Dizon said. “Sadly, many recent cases didn’t end that way.”
He said the department is looking to implement the new policy within the year, though specific details, including whether additional costs would be shared between operators and passengers, remain under discussion.
“Nothing is free in this world. If premiums go up, someone has to pay,” he said. “Now we will look at how that can be done and what regulations are possible.”
The insurance mandate will also cover passengers in “colorum” vehicles, or those unregistered or unauthorized public transport vehicles, which Mr. Dizon described as a persistent problem.
“Technically, they shouldn’t be operating. But if they’re on the road, passengers must be protected,” he said.
“Bottom line here, passenger safety, passenger peace of mind, and passenger family peace of mind that when he gets on a bus, a jeepney, or whatever public utility vehicle, he is safe, and if something happens… there is responsibility and there is compensation.”
The Department of Transportation has convened a task force to address road safety standards, with Mr. Dizon expecting recommendations this week.
Among the proposed measures is to reduce the consecutive driving hours to four hours from six to prevent driver fatigue.
Despite efforts, the administration still lacks enabling legislation for a comprehensive PUV Modernization Act, which the transportation chief described as essential.
“We thank our lawmakers who are open to filing such a bill, but for now, we’re doing what we can through executive action,” he said.
The proposed legislation could provide tax breaks, subsidies, and other incentives to accelerate the shift to modern, safer vehicles. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
