The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) has issued a strong call to action following a now-viral video showing a public utility bus driver using a cellphone while transporting passengers to Cavite. The group condemned the driver’s behavior, which they said exemplifies a growing threat to commuter safety, and is pushing lawmakers to amend existing laws to impose harsher penalties—especially for drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs).
The video, captured by a concerned citizen, shows the bus driver repeatedly glancing down at his phone while driving. The uploader alleged that the driver was even browsing a gambling site mid-commute, raising further alarm over the seriousness of the distraction. LCSP called the incident a blatant violation of road safety and warned that the lives of dozens of commuters are being jeopardized by such negligence.
“Our current laws are not strong enough to hold these drivers accountable,” LCSP said in a statement. “When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle carrying the public, the responsibility you carry is not just personal—it’s collective. And the punishment should reflect that.”
Under Republic Act No. 10913, or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, first-time violators are fined ₱5,000, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. The fourth offense may lead to license revocation. While the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) may impose additional sanctions on PUV operators—including suspension or revocation of their franchise—LCSP argues that this framework lacks real deterrent power.
They are urging Congress to revisit the law and pass amendments that will impose harsher consequences on PUV drivers caught using mobile devices while on duty. LCSP’s proposed revision includes the possibility of imprisonment ranging from six months to one year even for a first offense.
“We are not calling for a blanket punishment on all motorists,” LCSP clarified. “But the standards must be higher for drivers entrusted with the lives of dozens of passengers. The consequences of a single moment of distraction can be catastrophic.”
The group emphasized that while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and LTFRB can issue fines and revoke licenses, criminal penalties—such as imprisonment—can only be instituted by an act of Congress.
In closing, LCSP appealed to legislators: “We urge our lawmakers to rise to the occasion and take meaningful steps to protect the riding public. Distracted driving by PUV drivers is not a simple traffic offense—it’s a public safety hazard. And it’s time our laws treated it that way.”