House OKs bill banning use of mobile phones while driving

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure prohibiting motorists from using mobile phones while driving.

House Bill 4571 or the “Anti-Mobile Communication Devices Use while Driving Act of 2011” is authored by former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, and Buhay party-list Rep. Irwin Tieng.

Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco Jr. and Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo are co-authors of the bill.

“While some cities have enacted local ordinances prohibiting its use by drivers, there is a need to institute a similar measure on a nationwide scale to protect life, limb and property,” Gonzales said.

The measure, which aims to promote road safety, regulates the use of mobile communications devices while driving a motor vehicle and imposes penalties for violations. Violators will be slapped with a P10,000 fine and revocation of driver’s license.

Motor vehicles include wheeled agricultural machineries, construction equipment and other forms of conveyances, regardless of whether machine, animal or human-powered as long as operated or driven in public thoroughfares.

Exempted from the ban are drivers of motor vehicles who use mobile phones with the aid of hands-free devices and those that perform urgent, emergency and official functions where such limitations will result in greater injury or impair their performance.