LEGAZPI CITY -- Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito on Thursday thanked President Rodrigo R. Duterte for signing into law a measure that requires car owners to use a child restraint system in vehicles.
Ejercito, during a visit here, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview that saving the lives of children is of utmost concern and he is happy that the President approved the bill, which he had authored.
"This will be added to my accomplishments," Ejercito said, referring to Republic Act 11229, or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, which calls for the protection of children and infant passengers of land vehicles.
Duterte signed the measure last February 22 but Malacañang only released a copy of it on March 12.
"Ang buhay ay hindi natin pwede lagyan ng presyo (We cannot put a price tag on a person's life). Every child's life is priceless. A car seat will range from PHP2,000 to PHP25,000, I think that's very reasonable. Life is priceless so that amount is nothing compared to the life and safety of our children," Ejercito pointed out.
Under the new law, it is illegal for a driver not to properly secure an infant or child in a child restraint system while on board a vehicle.
Ejercito visited Legazpi on Thursday, along with other senatorial candidates being endorsed by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional political party, which is chaired by Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte. (PNA)
