MANILA – Following a recent road rage incident in Antipolo City that left one dead and three others injured, San Jose Del Monte Rep. Rida Robes is pushing for the swift passage of an anti-road rage bill.
Robes filed House Bill No. 1511, which consolidates five bills related to road rage. She shared that a substitute bill has already been created, and lawmakers are now awaiting the committee report. “Consider it done, meron na ito eh. Wala na tayong problema may substitute bill na,” Robes said in an online interview.
The substitute bill defines road rage as “the aggressive, hostile or violent behavior in traffic or on the road by a motorist or a road user” and aims to deter such actions through strict penalties. Prohibited acts under the bill include wild gestures, verbal insults, physical attacks, and any form of intimidation towards other road users.
Penalties for road rage offenders include a minimum of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of at least P250,000. Offenders will also face the revocation of their driver’s license and a ban on renewal for five years.
Robes emphasized the importance of a specific anti-road rage law, saying, “Pag walang ganitong specific na batas, hahanapan nila. Criminal charge, frustrated murder, yung mga ganyan.” She believes the bill addresses the pressing issue by providing a clear framework for punishment and justice for victims.
The substitute bill also proposes the creation of a dedicated unit in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to handle road rage cases, along with a victim and witness protection program, and an anger management program under the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Robes is confident the bill will pass before the 19th Congress concludes. “I’m very confident this bill will be passed in the lower house before the end of the 19th Congress,” she said, despite the tight session schedule before the sine die adjournment on June 13, 2025.
