Press Release
May 22, 2017

EJERCITO URGES DOTr, LTO: SUSPEND ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-DISTRACTED DRIVING UNTIL IRR IS CLEAR

SENATOR JV Ejercito today urged the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Office to temporarily suspend the enforcement of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act until motorists' confusions are ironed out regarding the law's Implementing Rules and Regulations.

"Looks like their officials (DOTr) did not understand the essence of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. They have made matters complicated, when it is basically just about banning the use of cellphones while driving," Ejercito said as Public Services Committee Vice Chairman.

Ejercito said that cellphones when used for navigational purposes should be permitted to aid motorists from steering clear of heavy traffic.

"It is counter-intuitive when using Waze or other navigation apps since the use of cellphone is less dangerous if it is within the line of sight. Every second that the driver's eyes are on the road counts. Mas delikado pa yumuko!" he explained.

Ejercito said that the DOTr should reconsider the strict provisions regarding the placement of cellphones within the line of sight of drivers.

"We rarely hear of road accidents that result from the use of navigational apps. Definitely, texting and tinkering with a mobile phone while driving is a no-no. But when it is used as a navigational aid and it is properly placed, it is okay," he said.

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