Senatorial aspirant and former MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos is calling for sweeping reforms in the country’s road safety system, following two devastating vehicle crashes that recently claimed multiple lives.
“These are symptoms of a systemic failure in how we approach road safety in this country,” Abalos said, reacting to the accidents in Tarlac and at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that occurred just days apart.
On May 1, a passenger bus slammed into several vehicles at an SCTEX toll plaza in Tarlac, killing 10 people—including children—and injuring over 20 others. Then on May 4, a sports utility vehicle rammed into travelers waiting outside NAIA Terminal 1, resulting in two deaths and four injuries.
Abalos, who is running under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate, lamented the rising number of fatal road incidents. Recent data from the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group show around 31,000 road crashes have occurred this year, leading to nearly 2,750 fatalities.
“These tragedies highlight a broken system that demands immediate action,” he said.
Abalos pledged to champion legislative measures to make the country’s roads safer. Among the policies he supports are stiffer penalties for reckless driving, drunk driving, and vehicle overloading, as well as the expedited construction of pedestrian crossings, overpasses, and designated motorcycle lanes.
He also cited his previous work at the MMDA, highlighting the installation of lay-by bays along EDSA that provided shelter for motorcycle riders during heavy rains. “Small interventions like these can save lives,” he noted.
In addition to policy reforms, Abalos wants to see road safety integrated into the education system. He urged the Department of Education to teach senior high school students the basics of defensive driving, hazard awareness, and emergency response.
“Every young Filipino must learn how to stay safe and protect others on the road before they ever get behind the wheel,” he said.
Finally, he reminded motorists that safety is a collective effort: “Vigilance behind the wheel and respect for our laws are shared responsibilities that save lives.”
