By Ben R. Rosario
The House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 6570 that seeks to prohibit anybody from leaving children eight-years-old and below unattended inside motor vehicles.
HB 6570 was authored by former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo and won strong support in last week’s plenary session.
Under the bill, a child must always be attended by any person 18 years or older while onboard a motor vehicle if the engine is running or the key is anywhere inside the motor compartment.
A fine of P5,000 will be imposed on violators for the first offense. A P10,000 will be imposed on the second offense, and a P50,000 and the driver’s license confiscated for the third offense.
Subsequent offense shall be penalized with the revocation of the driver’s license.
A public awareness campaign on the prohibition and dangers of leaving children unattended inside motor vehicles shall be undertaken nationwide by the Land Transportation Office will be conducted if the bill is passed into law.
