Estrada files School Bus Safety Act mandating seat belts

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed Senate Bill No. 2958, the School Bus Safety Act, which mandates seat belts in all school buses to enhance student safety during commutes.

The bill cites a Philippine Statistics Authority report showing a significant increase in road traffic fatalities over the past decade and highlights the need for regulated safety standards.

Estrada emphasized that ensuring students' protection is crucial for national progress and future development, stating that it holds transport providers accountable and aligns with global road safety standards.

Under the proposed law, newly manufactured school buses must be equipped with seat belts before they can be registered, including lap safety belts to protect against injuries in case of accidents.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will oversee implementation and require existing school buses to install seat belts within six months after regulations are published.

In addition to seat belts, the bill also calls for stricter safety measures such as driver training programs and local government monitoring, and encourages schools with high levels of seat belt usage to be recognized.