Senate Office of the ee cretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session 25 AUG 27 P1:44 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1278 Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE A. VILLAR AN ACT INTEGRATING ROAD DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY EDUCATION IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Philippine Constitution clearly underscores the right of every Filipino to receive quality education. As stated in Article XIV, Section 1: "The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all". Further, Section 2(1) mandates the State to "establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society". This highlights the responsibility of the government to ensure an education system that is responsive and inclusive. Introducing road safety education at an early stage is essential in shaping law- abiding, responsible citizens. It prepares young individuals to take on their future roles as safe drivers, alert commuters, cautious pedestrians, and responsible road users. Proper road safety education may also prevent loss of lives and protect citizens from untoward road incidents.
This proposed legislation aims to incorporate road safety and discipline into the senior high school curriculum. The program will cover essential topics such as traffic rules and regulations, commuter and pedestrian guidelines, the legal rights and responsibilities of all road users, the value of compliance with traffic laws, and both theoretical and practical components of basic driving skills. A significant feature of this measure is the provision for student driver's permits. Eligible students who complete the road safety education course will be granted such permits, which can serve as a stepping stone toward obtaining a non-professional or professional driver's license, upon passing the required practical and theoretical exams. In view of the above, the swift enactment of this bill is strongly recommended. amllecs mu CAMILLE A. VILLAI
Senate Offee of the corcretate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG 27 P1:44 SENATE RECENED BY S. No. 1278 Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE A. VILLAR AN ACT INTEGRATING ROAD DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY EDUCATION IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Road Discipline
and Safety Education Act".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy, - It is the declared policy of the State to
establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society. To that end, the state must educate the youth about the importance of road discipline and safety in order to prevent or reduce the country's rising number of road traffic accidents, which frequently result in injuries, deaths, and property damage. The road discipline and safety education aim to achieve the following objectives: a. Inculcate in the youth, particularly the senior high school students, the values of road discipline, courtesy, respect, and sensible caution; b. Promote safe and responsible driving, road safety standards, and obedience to traffic laws, rules, and regulations;
c. Educate the youth about road dangers and hazards, how to avoid them, and the negative consequences of car accidents; and d. Equip the youth with the necessary knowledge and skills and train them to be responsible road users as drivers, commuters, or pedestrians.
SEC. 3. Road Discipline and Safety Education. - Road discipline and safety
education are hereby integrated into the curriculum of senior high school. The road discipline and safety education curriculum will be made by the Department of 9 Education in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and in consultation with road safety groups. The following shall be taken into account: a. Basic knowledge of traffic laws, rules, and regulations, including those affecting pedestrians and commuters; b. Rights and responsibilities of every road user, such as pedestrians, commuters, and drivers, and the role of traffic enforcement authorities; c. Importance of observing the traffic laws, rules, and regulations, including the proper use of road safety equipment, and the consequences of its violation; d. Theoretical and practical introduction to basic driving skills, including basic and correct habits and traits that a driver must have; e. Activities and exercises that may develop the ability to respond, including the development of sound judgment, decision-making and reaction time, to any traffic situation; and f. Awareness of the different causes of road accidents and the ill effects of road accidents on the victims and society.
SEC. 4. Teaching Method. - The road discipline and safety education
curriculum's teaching method shall include, but is not limited to, interactive instruction as well as the use of video, film, computer technology, written material, demonstrations and role-playing.
Practical activities and exercises must be conducted to maximize the learning experience of the students, particularly on the use of road safety equipment and motor vehicles. The Secretary of Education may seek assistance from appropriate government agencies to develop the necessary educational and instructional materials.
SEC. 5. Instructor. - The instructor for the road discipline and safety
education curriculum must possess the following qualifications: a. A baccalaureate graduate of any course or a holder of National Technical- Vocational Education Training Trainer's Certificate issued by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; b. A holder of professional driver's license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO); c. A traffic abiding citizen with no traffic apprehension for the past three (3) years prior to application and no record of suspension or revocation of the professional driver's license; d. With at least sixty (60) hours of training accredited by LTO on road safety; and e. Other qualifications as may be determined by the Secretaries of Education and Transportation. The Secretary of Education shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Budget and Management, determine the number of required instructors and their employment status and salary grades.
SEC. 6. Student Driver's Permit. - The Department of Education and LTO
shall issue, free of charge, a student driver's permit to every qualified student who has successfully completed the road discipline and safety education curriculum.
After passing the required theoretical and practical examinations set by LTO and determining the proper condition and restriction code applicable, the student may secure either a non-professional or professional driver's license.
SEC. 7. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation
of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriation of the Department of Education. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and Assistant Secretary of the Land Transportation Office, issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules, and
regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,