Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Raffy Tulfo have called for an investigation into the recent rise in road rage incidents, including one that involved an ex-cop and a cyclist in Quezon City.
In Senate Resolution 769, the Land Transportation Office and other relevant authorities have been directed to implement stiff penalties for road rage incidents, especially those involving the brandishing of firearms.
In another incident in Makati City, an active-duty policeman and an alleged member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were caught on video scuffling on the road, with the policeman pulling out a gun.
Both the Quezon City and Makati City incidents have since gone viral. In the Makati altercation, the policeman alighted from his car and, with his gun drawn, disarmed and overpowered the motorcycle-riding supposed ISAFP member.
“The alarming rise in road rage incidents has posed a serious threat to public safety and the well-being of citizens,” the resolution read. “It is crucial to take immediate and effective measures to address this issue and ensure the safety of all road users.”
The resolution proposes the revocation and permanent ban from obtaining a License to Own and Possess Firearms for individuals found guilty of road rage offenses involving the display of firearms.
It also calls for the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring system that identifies individuals involved in road rage incidents. Such individuals shall be prohibited from acquiring or renewing their driver’s licenses.
The resolution also urges law enforcement agencies to collaborate with mental health professionals to provide counseling and anger management interventions to individuals found guilty of road rage offenses, to prevent future incidents.