Gov’t urged to review road safety measures following SCTEx crash
A multi-car collision occurs at noon on May 1, 2025 along the SCTEx Exit Toll Plaza in Barangay Bantog, Tarlac City, killing at least 12. (Photos from the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS)
MANILA, Philippines — Ang Probinsyano party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos has called for the review and reform of road safety measures, following the car crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) multi-vehicle collision.
“Perhaps we need to closely monitor whether the occupational safety conditions of bus drivers and employed drivers in general are being followed. Are the regulations on working hours strictly implemented?” Delos Santos said in a statement on Monday.
“Drivers are not supposed to be under hazardous working conditions like long working hours, fatigue, and sleep; this is not only for their protection but especially for their passengers and all motorists in general,” he added.
He also emphasized that local government units should strictly enforce safety standards and protocols before renewing the business permits of bus companies. Additionally, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board must ensure that all motor vehicle operations are safe and compliant with the law.
READ: License of bus driver in SCTEx crash perpetually revoked — LTO
READ: Girl, 5, one of two killed in Naia car accident
Citing studies, Delos Santos pointed out the bus drivers’ 16-to-18-hour daily work on a quota basis, which he said “results in drivers overspeeding and road racing to reach their quota.”
He mentioned that another study revealed that Metro Manila drivers “show that job strain and fatigue as a result of long hours on the road, shift work, overtime, low job control, lack of safety motivation and effort-reward imbalances are factors that expose drivers to risky driving behaviors that result in road traffic crashes.”
The Naia crash claimed the lives of two individuals, including a five-year-old girl. According to reports, the vehicle driver lost control after allegedly mistaking the gas pedal for the brakes.
On the other hand, 12 people—including six children—died in the SCTEX collision involving a Solid North Transit bus that reportedly slammed into four vehicles after the driver allegedly fell asleep.
