Press Release
January 5, 2011

CHIZ SEEKS 20 YEAR IMPRISONMENT AGAINST ERRING
PUBLIC TRANSPORT DRIVERS

A maximum of twenty years of imprisonment will be exacted against drivers of public transportations who will be found erring in road accidents.

This is the proposal made by Senator Chiz Escudero under Senate bill Number 2095 which increases the current criminal liability of negligent drivers, under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code.

Escudero said the penalties provided under Article 365 may no longer work with the way public transports, especially buses, have lightly treated their obligation under existing laws.

From the existing penalty of arresto mayor to prision correcional in its medium period, or from one (1) month to four (4) years and two (2) months, Escudero proposes a higher penalty for the offender.

SBN 2095 proposes to penalize criminal negligence by common carriers with imprisonment ranging from four (4) months one (1) day to six (6) months to twelve (12) years, in case of injury and depending on the extent.

In case of death, Escudero said penalty should range from twelve (12) years to twenty (20) years of imprisonment.

"Recent road tragedies show how drivers have become reckless and irresponsible in the conduct of their duties. They seem to disregard the statutory policy to bring their passengers safely as far as human care and foresight can provide, using utmost diligence and caution".

The senator said the bill seeks to provide a preventive policy to address recklessness and impudence which have been one of the leading causes of deaths among Filipinos.

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