QC bans kids from front passenger seats

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government has enacted an ordinance prohibiting motorists from placing infants and children in the front seat of any motor vehicle in the city.

The ordinance, recently signed into law by Mayor Herbert Bautista, covers all children six years old and below. Under the measure, violators will be fined P1,000 to P3,000.

The ordinance’s principal author, Councilor Raquel Malangen, said the ordinance supports the seat belt law (Republic Act 8750), which also prohibits placing infants in front seats of running vehicles.

According to Malangen, while the national law has this provision, it does not impose any penalty.

The ordinance tasked the city’s department of public order and safety to implement the measure.