The Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with the Global Road Safety Project Coalition and the World Health Organization (WHO), recently hold a press conference to discuss the swift implementation of Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.
The act, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 22 and a copy of which was distributed to the media last week, mandates the use of child car seats, prohibits children below 12 years old from seating in the front seat, and requires children to be accompanied by adults when inside the vehicle.
Under the law, the DOTr, in collaboration with other departments, together with other concerned agencies and stakeholders must promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on child restraint systems within six months from the effectivity of the act.
DOTr Undersecretary Mark Richmund De Leon, said, “We are now among the group of countries who already instituted this law. The DOTr is in the forefront of road safety measures.”
Guests panelists were Jolina Magdangal-Escueta who shared how the child car seat saved her child’s life, Dr. Juliard Go of WHO and Initiative for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Service (IDEALS) Project Coordinator Atty. Antonio Salvador.