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Total Cell Phone Ban While Driving Bill in the Philippines

September 20, 2008 · Filed Under Internet News

In many countries, using a cell phone while driving is ok (if the cell phone is being used in a hands-free mode). However, a proposed bill in the Philippine House of Representatives (House Bill No. 4917) is a little bit harsher than laws in Western countries proposing a total cell phone ban while driving in the Philippines.

A news article from the Inquirer website (written Cyril L. Bonabente) stated the following:

The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) has called for an absolute ban on the use of mobile phones while driving, saying it was the 12th most common cause of traffic accidents in the country in 2006.

Using cell phones—even hands-free sets—on the road could impair the driver’s concentration and could cause accidents, said the AAP.

For the same reason, Buhay party-list representatives filed a bill seeking to penalize persons caught reading or sending text messages while driving.

House Bill No. 4917 proposes a jail term of up to six months and a maximum fine of PhP 100,000. Exempted from the bill are law enforcers, drivers of rescue vehicles and ambulances and people from media.

A number of countries like Australia, France, South Korea and Japan restrict or ban cell phone use while driving. The cities of Manila, Makati and Cebu had banned the practice on paper, but it has not been strictly enforced, the AAP said.

If I were to evaluate this bill, I think it’s good. The Philippines, being known as the Texting Capital in the World, should effect needed changes in the behavior of texters. The initiative of course should come from the texters or cell phone users themselves but the government initiative through this bill is alright. Although some may see the bill as harsh, others (like this writer) might see it as fit. Cell phone use on the road should really be regulated. With statistics on cell phone-related accidents, I think it’s high time drivers need to focus more on the road than on their fancy ringtones. I support this bill even if this site features gadgets and cell phones like the first Google Mobile/Cell Phone and iPod Touch. The cell phones are not the problem. It’s the way cell phone owners use them.

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Comments

7 Responses to “Total Cell Phone Ban While Driving Bill in the Philippines”

Joy on September 20th, 2008 11:34 pm

Naku ingat Fren baka may ka chicka habang nagdadrive lol! By paper palang pala yun dati..

Joys last blog post..Feng shui 101

[Reply]
jessie reply on September 23rd, 2008:
Joy,

That is correct. That is why the strict implementation of this Bill (when turned into law) is highly needed. Cell phone-related accidents in the Philippines are increasing in number. It’s high time discipline is instilled in cell phone users. NO CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING.

jessies last blog post..Loans for Personal or Business Use

[Reply]
Amor on September 21st, 2008 5:11 pm

para sa akin tama lang ang bill na yan, at sana maipasa kaagad yan para naman matakot gumamit ng celfon yung mga nagda-drive. Minsan nga noong nasa taxi kami, yung driver gumagamit ng phone kahit umaandar na yung sasakyan, nakakainis! What if nadisgrasya kami no!

Amors last blog post..Family Day at Manila Zoo

[Reply]
jessie reply on September 23rd, 2008:
Amor,

That kind of driver should be reported to authorities. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) or LTFRB should also deal with these types of drivers in the Philippines. Cell phone use should really be banned by the government because the behaviors of drivers (driving while texting) could cost lives of innocent people.

jessies last blog post..Christian Singles Meet Online

[Reply]
Texting While Driving is More Dangerous Than Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | Technology Talks on September 27th, 2008 7:30 am

[...] the Philippines, House Bill No. 4917 proposed a Total Cell Phone Ban While Driving in the Philippines, gaining the approval of the public after having experienced numerous accidents while the driver of [...]
Louie on November 3rd, 2008 1:04 pm

may problema ata sa pagpenalize ng mga gumagamit ng hands free gadgets habang nagddrive.. hindi ba kapag may kausap ka sa phone via earphone halos pareho din yun ng nakikipag usap ka sa katabi mo? it’s harmless.. mas delikado pa nga yung sa kausap mo ang katabi mo dahil minsan tumitingin ka pa sa kanya..

[Reply]
Network of Ideas reply on November 4th, 2008:
Louie,

You’re right. You know how the law is implemented in the Philippines. Also, it’s really more dangerous to be talking to your passenger when you are driving. It’s really better if you talk on the cell phone using its hand-free functions. Safety is much more increased this way.

[Reply]