REVILLA REFILES BILL VS ILLEGAL DRAG RACERS

In response to the increasing number of incidents involving illegal drag racing in the country, particularly in the streets of Metro Manila, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. refilled his bill that would prescribe safety rules and provide penalties for the said dangerous activity, including imprisonment.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 13, previously filed by Revilla as SB No.1955 during the 13th Congress, seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) no. 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, to particularly include the definition and penalties for illegal drag racing in public streets, road and highways.

According to the Senator, the prevalence of illegal drag racing in the metropolis is so rampant that a law should be passed to curb it.

"There's no law that exclusively addresses illegal drag racing in the Philippines . We have already seen fatal accidents involving illegal drag racing. We should put a stop to it once and for all," Revilla said.

Under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1602 or the Illegal Gambling Law, car racing is considered illegal if money or articles of value are at stake. Revilla added that illegal racing of motorcycles and ordinary scooters are also a craze nowadays aside from illegal drag racing of imported and expensive race cars, especially among thrill-seeking youngsters.

He cited reports that the Traffic Management Group (TMG) recently seized 21 motorcycles and nine vehicles for illegal drag racing in Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City and Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City .

Based on the said reports, some of the vehicles did not even have plates at all, and that the motorcycle owners were not wearing helmets while driving. However, the owners were given a "slap on the wrist" as they were merely issued traffic tickets for various violations and were advised to bring all pertinent documents regarding the ownership of the vehicles.

"This is not enough. We have to make them liable," Revilla stressed.

The lawmaker pointed out that it is the duty of the government to protect its citizens against illegal drag racing that results to damage to properties and even deaths of drivers and bystanders alike.

Under SB 13 or the Anti-Illegal Drag Racing Act, any person who shall participate in any manner in an illegal drag race or acceleration contest shall face a mandatory imprisonment of one year without probation and a fine of not less than two hundred thousand pesos. "Even those so called rich kids or children of the prominent and influential will be punished once this bill is passed. It's not only the motorists that's been affected by illegal drag racing but also the innocent pedestrians," Revilla said.

However, Revilla clarified that his bill provides for the exception for the conduct of properly controlled drag racing events authorized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). "Drag racing is a sport but should not be abused to the extent of conducting it in an uncontrolled and unsecured environment that would harm both motorists and pedestrians," he added.

Section 5 of the Revilla Bill states that the LTO may authorize in writing an organized and properly controlled car racing event to utilize a highway or part of a highway. The authorization shall specify the time of the event, the highway or part of the highway to be utilized and any special conditions the director may require for the particular event.