The news that broke out earlier this year regarding the implementation of RA 11229, also known as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, caused uncertainty among car owners. That said, President Duterte decided to suspend the act in the meantime and will instead be enacted at the appropriate time.
The RA 11229 aims to eliminate child fatalities in road accidents
In the time of its suspension, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), under the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), is relentless in conducting efforts to certify child restraint systems (CRS). It encourages child seat manufacturers to certify their products so that when the time comes, distribution will be more seamless.
“We also encourage manufacturers, producers, or importers to start applying for your certifications from the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) so that once RA 11229 is implemented, [you are already registered] and you’ll find it easier to comply with the requirements,” said CPG Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo.
As a piece of a refresher, the RA 11229 is a law that intends to protect infants and children in the event of a road accident. Considering that motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among children, the government figured that the act should be implemented in the country.
DTI is preparing necessary certifications to reimpose RA 11229
The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act states that children 12 years and below must not be allowed to sit at the front seat. Instead, they must be seated in CRS for safety. However, children with a height of 4’11” or taller are exempted from the act and can be seated using a regular seat belt.
To promote the certification of CRS, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Deputy Director for Law Enforcement Service Atty. Roberto A. Valera noted that his government agency will not charge anything for the inspection of child seats including fitting or installation. He further stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Once all child seats are certified, the CPG hopes that the importance of child seats will be embraced by Filipino motorists the next time around. As of this writing, it is still unclear as to when will RA 11229 be enacted again.
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