The major expressways that connect Metro Manila to the provinces plays a very important role in driving our economy as they not only speed up the delivery of goods, they also promote tourism through safe and faster travel to destinations.
However, it seems that the imposed speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour is no longer fast in today’s standards and a bill was proposed to increase it to 140 kilometers per hour.
Ilocos Sur representative, Ronald Singson, has filed House Bill (HB) 4049 which aims to amend the speed limit on toll roads aka expressways. The bill was originally filed on August of last year but was re-filed again last May 18, 2023.
TRB open to discussion
In a recent edition of Laging Handa briefing on PTV4, Toll Regulatory Board spokesperson, Julius Corpuz, said that the agency is open to discussions with regard to raising the speed limits on expressways.
“Kaya nga po kami’y buong pagsisikap na makapagbigay ng ating mga observations and comments during the deliberation of this bill at nang maisama po ang ating mga input diyan nang sa ganoon ay mabigyan natin ng—bagama’t mabilis subalit dapat ligtas na paglalakbay ang ating mga motorista (That’s why we’re really working to give our observations and comments during the deliberation of this bill so that they can consider our inputs to provide a faster but safe journey of motorists),” said Corpuz.
While the bill aims for a higher speed limit, it also states that it “at the same time minimizes the incidence of road accidents.” It is paramount to remember that stipulation. Regardless of whether or not the speed limit is increased, the state reminds all that the number of vehicular crashes must be kept low or avoided at all costs.
If HB 4049 becomes a law, the new speed limit for buses will go up to 120 kilometers per hour, while private vehicles and 400cc and up motorcycles can cruise up to 140 kilometers per hour.
