President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to assess a proposal aimed at increasing the insurance coverage for private vehicles involved in accidents with public utility vehicles (PUVs).
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon was tasked to study the proposed adjustment, which seeks to address the current disparity—where PUV passengers receive more extensive insurance benefits than those in private cars affected by the same incidents.
“This move is meant to ensure better protection for all road accident victims, especially those impacted by negligence,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro in a briefing.
She added that the proposal is still under careful review to determine its appropriateness and timing.
The suggestion came from the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), which is pushing for equal insurance benefits for both PUV and private vehicle accident victims, especially in cases of fatalities or permanent injuries.
President Marcos has also called for a comprehensive review of driver licensing processes and an audit of bus operators, following a string of fatal road accidents. Among them was a recent crash at the SCTEX Tarlac City Toll Plaza that killed 10, including four children, and another incident at NAIA Terminal 1 that claimed two lives.