President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed two new laws aimed at improving early childhood development and promoting responsible motorcycle ownership.
On May 8, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12199, or the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, which replaces the Early Years Act of 2013. The law institutionalizes a comprehensive framework for supporting children from birth to age five and was a priority of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
RA 12199 promotes multi-sectoral collaboration to deliver inclusive and integrated services. The ECCD Council will oversee programs for children under five, while the Department of Education will handle those aged five to eight.
Local governments will implement ECCD programs at the community level.
On May 9, Mr. Marcos also signed amendments to the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (RA 11235), extending the ownership transfer deadline for buyers from five to 20 working days. Fines for non-compliance were reduced from up to P50,000 to a maximum of P5,000, and imprisonment for minor violations was removed.
Authorities are also barred from impounding motorcycles solely due to delayed ownership transfer if proper registration is shown.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the government is pushing for higher mandatory insurance coverage for public utility vehicle (PUV) passengers. Following a series of fatal road accidents, Mr Marcos directed the Department of Transportation, LTO, and LTFRB to align coverage with that offered by private operators. Dizon said the reforms, expected within the year, will be balanced to avoid excessive burdens on operators.
He also announced a proposal to reduce PUV drivers maximum consecutive driving hours from six to four to combat driver fatigue.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos signs landmark laws on child development, motorcycle ownership reform”