MANILA, Philippines鈥擧ow can parents be sure that their children are brought to school safely?
Following an accident involving two school buses on Nov. 3, a Quezon City councilor has sought the installation of a speed-limiting device on all school service vehicles.
鈥淚t is imperative that the government ensure the safety of the students who use school service vehicles,鈥� Councilor Donato Matias said in his proposed resolution which he filed earlier this month. It was passed on first reading on Nov. 17.
At least six children, including the son of actor Dennis Trillo, were injured in the collision between two school service vehicles at the corner of Speaker Perez and N. Roxas Streets in Barangay Lourdes, Quezon City.
Based on a police investigation, both vehicles were speeding. In Australia and Switzerland, the speed limit set for school buses is 40-kph, according to the research conducted by the councilor鈥檚 staff. Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced that it would require all Metro Manila buses to install speed limiters by May.
鈥淭he installation of the speed limiting device is an effective deterrent of [speeding] and will help ensure the safety of the student passengers,鈥� Matias said.