The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is stepping up road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in a bid to reduce road crash incidents and fatalities across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, DOTr Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote discipline among road users as part of efforts toward 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: one life lost is too much. We need to stop road crash incidents,” Pastor said.
The DOTr said the campaign is being carried out through a multi-sector, whole-of-government approach in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The initiative is anchored on the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) 2023–2028, which includes a review of the driver licensing system to ensure that only qualified and responsible individuals are allowed on the road.
It also seeks to strengthen the enforcement of safety and maintenance standards for 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,” Pastor said.
During the 2026 Road Safety Summit in Pasig City, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said digitalization and stricter enforcement 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 efforts, and stronger action against reckless and dangerous driving,” Lacanilao said.
The World Health Organization (WHO), through Representative to the Philippines Dr. Eunyoung Ko, also expressed continued support for the government’s road safety programs.
“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.
Photo courtesy of CCTO
Comments