Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called for the enforcement of a 30-kilometer-per-hour speed limit around school zones, alongside other safety measures, to reduce road accidents and protect children and the public.
Pangilinan highlighted alarming data showing that many road crash fatalities involve people aged 15 to 29, with nearly 13,000 fatalities recorded annually due to road incidents. Emphasizing the urgency of the issue, he stated, “These numbers are unacceptable. We must act decisively to ensure our roads are safe spaces.”
Speaking at the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Pangilinan, who is aiming for a Senate return in the 2025 midterm elections, expressed his full support for the four-point Road Safety Agenda proposed by the motorcycle riders’ advocacy group Kagulong. Their plan includes establishing the Philippine Road Safety Institute, setting a 30-kph speed limit in high-risk areas, speeding up road repairs, and integrating road safety education into school programs.
Pangilinan, speaking as both a legislator and a parent, stressed, “I cannot stand the thought of more parents losing their children to preventable road crashes.” He believes that pushing for these reforms will contribute to meeting the global goal of a 50% reduction in road casualties by 2030.
