Around five days after implementing the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended its implementation and enforcement in order to review the Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as to conduct an effective information and education campaign.
In a statement, the DOTr said, “To respond to the call of both Houses of Congress to defer the implementation of ADDA, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) take heed to the Congress, being the authors of the law, to defer the enforcement of Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA)”.
The delay in the ADDA’s implementation and enforcement will allow the agency to revive its Technical Working Group in order to review RA 10913’s IRR. Moreover, a massive information and education campaign, which is part of the provisions of the said Act, must be undertaken first before it can be enforced.
One of the areas of confusion stems from the placement of items such as Rosaries, and gadgets on the dashboard or windshield. Certain groups insist that there is no cause for concern as these do not pose any threat to safety. The DOTr, on the other hand, insists that it is better to be safe than sorry.
For now, however, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act will remain suspended until further notice.
