The wearing of seatbelts has been mandatory for all drivers and front passengers since 1999 thanks to Republic Act 8750 or the “Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.” In it, it says: “For their own safety, the driver and front seat passengers of a public or private motor vehicle are required to wear or use their seat belt devices while inside a vehicle of running engine on any road or thoroughfare.”
The law has been around two decades, but we guess someone should tell Mr. Mark Villar, the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who was caught in a video going through the C5 South Link without wearing his seatbelt. And this happens as early as the 12-second mark.
Granted this is not as stupid or intentional as the guy who decided to drive his car from the front passenger seat (his driver’s license is now revoked), shouldn’t Mr. Villar be careful especially when they appear in front of the camera. I mean, they’re role models, after all.
Also, shouldn’t the host, safety advocate James Deakin be fined too? Remember, the law says: “On the driver, (a) failure to wear the prescribed seat belt devices and/or failure to require his passengers to wear the prescribed seat belt device, a minimum fine of One hundred pesos (P 100) but not to exceed One thousand pesos (P 1,000) for the first violation; a minimum fine of Two hundred pesos (P 200) but not to exceed Two thousand pesos (P 2,000) for the second violation; and a minimum fine of Five hundred pesos (P 500) but not to exceed Five thousand pesos (P 5,000) and suspension of driver's license for a period of one (1) week for the third and succeeding violations.”
Judge for yourself. The full video can be viewed on this link.
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