Ejercito, author of child car seat law, seeks deferment of implementation of law during pandemic
MANILA, Philippines — A former senator, who was the principal sponsor of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, said authorities should “hold in abeyance” the implementation of the law during the pandemic.
“As the principal sponsor of [Republic Act No.] 11229 or Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, I would recommend to hold in abeyance implementation of the said law while there is a Pandemic,” former Senator JV Ejercito said in a tweet Tuesday.
As the principal sponsor of RA11229 or Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, I would recommend to hold in abeyance implementation of the said law while there is a Pandemic.
Again government has to adapt to the crisis situation.
— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) February 2, 2021
“Again government has to adapt to the crisis situation,” he added.
The Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act was approved last Feb. 22, 2019. The law’s implementing rules and regulations was approved last December 23, 2019 and takes effect this Tuesday.
Under the law’s implementing rules, children 12 years old and below who are shorter than 4’11 are no longer allowed to sit in the front seat or to be left unattended inside a private vehicle.
The law also requires children to use child restraint systems (CRS) or child car seats that are appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
“Use of car seat depends on the size, height [and] weight of the child. When a child is able to use adult seat belts, no need for car seat,” Ejercito said in another tweet, in response to a Twitter user.
Mam basahin po natin ang batas bago tayo mag comment sana.
Use of car seat depends on the size, height & weight of the child. When a child is able to use adult seatbelts, no need for car seat.
Common sense po.
— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) February 2, 2021
“Common sense po,” he added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier said they will postpone the full enforcement of the law during the pandemic as it finalizes enforcement protocols for the law.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Deputy Director for Law Enforcement Roberto Valera, meanwhile, said they will not apprehend motorists who will violate the mandatory child car seat law within six months. He said they will prioritize first in educating drivers and parents by distributing flyers regarding the requirements of the law.
