Marcos orders study of proposed higher insurance coverage for private cars in mishaps

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to study the proposal that seeks to increase the insurance coverage of private cars that figure in road mishaps with public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In particular, the President tasked Dizon to review the proposal regarding PUV insurance payment coverage, which currently provides higher benefits for PUV passengers as compared to lower rates for mishap victims in private cars.

"Opo, pinag-utos na po ng Pangulo kay DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon na pag-aralan pong mabuti ang proposal tungkol sa higher insurance coverage para po sa PUVs. Ito naman po ay para sa karagdagang proteksyon para sa lahat ng maaaring mabiktima ng negligence o aksidente sa kalsada," Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a Wednesday briefing.

(Yes, the President directed DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon to study the proposal about higher insurance coverage for PUVs. This is for additional protection to those who may be victimized by negligence or road accidents.)

"Pero muli, sasabihin po natin, pinag-aaralan po itong mabuti kung ito ba ay nararapat at ito po ba ay napapanahon," Castro added.

(But, let's just say, we're studying if this is proper and timely.)

Earlier reports said the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap) has urged Marcos to adopt the insurance system for PUVs to that of private motor vehicles to ensure fair benefits claims in cases of death and permanent disability.

The President has also ordered a review of drivers' licensing and audit of bus operators after road tragedies.

He vowed that tragic road accidents would not happen again as he tasked concerned agencies to enforce necessary reforms to prevent loss of lives.

Earlier this month, 10 individuals, including four children, were killed in a multiple-vehicle collision at the Tarlac City Toll Plaza on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. 

Just three days later, two people were also killed when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) rammed into the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. — VDV, GMA Integrated News