Press Release
September 25, 2019

Revilla pushes for declaration of National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla is seeking to declare every third Sunday of November as National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims, survivors and families.

Revilla expressed concern over the number of road accidents for the past several years, many of which were fatal.

The senator cited a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) which states that 1.2 million individuals die every year due to road traffic crashes.

"In the Philippines, road crash is now the number one cause of death amongst teenagers aged 15-19," he said.

Revilla noted that initiatives from across countries and regions have been put forward to increase awareness and to strengthen commitment to road safety.

He noted that the United Nations General Assembly in its 64th Session last March 2, 2010 passed a resolution entitled "Improving Global Road Safety", which encourages member-states to continue to strengthen their commitment to road safety, including the observance of the "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" on the third Sunday of November every year;

In consonance with this, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation 2092 declaring every third Sunday of November each year a "World day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims."

"This is an opportunity for the country to express its concern over the continuing rise in road traffic casualties, and its intention to partner with the private sector and civil society to address this growing malady," the issuance stated.

Revilla said Senate Bill 1018, or the "Road Crash Victims Remembrance Day," designates every third Sunday of November as the commemoration day.

This would raise awareness of the enormous scale and impact of road deaths and injuries, to remember the many millions killed or injured in road crashes, and to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police & medical professionals who deal daily with the traumatic aftermath of road death & injury.

In order to ensure the meaningful observance of the National Day of Remembrance, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as a lead agency, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the (MMDA), shall ensure the implementation of an annual program of activities, together with the launch of a road safety advocacy campaign.

Similar measures were filed by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto (SBN 605) and Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa (SBN 1035). The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Public Services chaired by Senator Grace Poe.

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