Filipino motorists navigating the country’s roads already face many challenges. Now, a proposed bill seeks to ease a specific pain point: the detention of innocent drivers involved in accidents.
House Bill (HB) 10679, also known as the Defensive Driving Act of 2024, was recently filed by Representatives Margarita Nograles (PBA Party List) and Cheeno Almario (Davao Oriental). Dubbed the “Anti-Kamote Driving Bill”, it proposes to amend Article 124 of the Revised Penal Code and to prevent the arrest of drivers not at fault in collisions, provided they can furnish evidence of their responsible driving.
Acceptable proof, as outlined in the bill, includes dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or any other video or still image from witnesses that demonstrate adherence to traffic laws before and during the incident.
HB 10679’s Explanatory Note cites a real-life example why such legislation is needed. In March 2024, an allegedly drunk motorcyclist crashed into an oncoming vehicle while traveling the wrong way on the Skyway Stage 3 Balintawak off-ramp. Despite the motorcyclist’s clear fault, the responsible driver was detained.
This case highlights the potential for innocent drivers to face unnecessary hardship. HB 10679 aims to prevent such situations, protecting responsible drivers from wrongful arrest while upholding the right of victims to pursue legal action.
The bill’s passage remains uncertain. However, HB 10679 presents a potential step toward a fairer system for Filipino drivers.
For further details on HB 10679, please refer to this link.
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