By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is intensifying road safety measures and enforcement of road laws to address road casualties in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, DOTr Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said these measures are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure road users are instilled with discipline for an “inclusive change in the country’s transportation system.”
“Kaya ang hamon po sa atin sa gobyerno—na nasa posisyon po tayo ngayon. Gayundin po sa mga kasamahan natin sa industriya, sa mga advocates natin: (That’s why the challenge to us in the government, those working in the industry, and advocates is) one life lost is too much. We need to stop road crash incidents,” Pastor said.
To date, the DOTr is addressing road safety issues through a multi-sector and whole-of-government approach, particularly through a partnership between the DOTr, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The partnership involves the implementation of mechanisms under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) 2023-2028, which includes the review of the driver licensing system to ensure that only competent and responsible individuals are allowed on the road.
In addition, the PRSAP pushes for the strict enforcement of essential safety and maintenance standards on public utility vehicles.
“Tayo rin ay nagsikap na makakuha ng legislative support katulad po ng mga kasama natin sa Senado at sa House of Representatives upang magkaroon ng maayos at sapat na pondo ang ating mga road safety-related policies (We also need to work on getting legislative support from the Senate and House of Representatives to give us enough funding for road safety-related policies),” he said.
During the 2026 Road Safety Summit in Pasig City on Tuesday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said strict enforcement and digitalization are already being implemented to improve monitoring, compliance and accountability in the transport sector.
“We [will] continue to strengthen our road safety initiative through sustained enforcement operations, intensified anti-colorum, anti-road rage effort, and stronger action against reckless and dangerous driving,” Lacanilao said.
During the event, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to the Philippines Dr. Eunyoung Ko said the United Nations (UN), through the WHO, will continue supporting government road safety measures.
“The UN system and WHO remain committed to supporting the Government of the Philippines and all partners in addressing safer, healthier, more inclusive and more sustainable mobility systems for all,” Ko said. (PNA)
