During a recent privilege speech in the Senate, Senator Tulfo talked about a significant issue involving a considerable number of government vehicles lacking proper insurance coverage. He said that many government vehicles don’t even have basic Compulsory Third Party Liability Insurance (CTPL). He pointed out that Philippine law requires all vehicle owners to purchase a CTPL insurance policy before registering or renewing their vehicles with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). He emphasized that it is important for responsible government agencies, especially the LTO, to carefully manage vehicle registrations to address this deficiency, urging them to ensure that government vehicles comply with the same insurance requirements imposed on private citizens.
Senator Tulfo also pointed out a limitation in the current insurance coverage for government vehicles. While it addresses injuries or fatalities resulting from accidents, it does not fully compensate for damages to personal property. He argues that the government should take full responsibility for all damages incurred, rather than providing only partial coverage.
The Senator admitted that the issue is connected to the constitutional provision that “The State may not be sued without its consent,” which shields the government from lawsuits. He proposes a revision to existing laws, asserting that the government should acknowledge its faults and take responsibility, emulating the accountability expected from ordinary citizens.
To implement these changes, the Senator recommends modernizing the LTO. Additionally, he proposes having a system that automatically reminds both government and private vehicle owners when their registrations are about to expire.
I find Senator Tulfo’s proposed solutions to be not only theoretical but also practical. His call for comprehensive insurance for all government vehicles, covering injuries and damages, is indeed a holistic approach to addressing the aftermath of accidents. This way, when accidents happen, it will be easier for the victims to get compensated. It also means less time spent on otherwise prolonged legal battles.
The Senator, known for championing the rights of the underprivileged, not only exposes corruption on a national scale but also talks about everyday problems that people usually ignore, such as his speech on “spaghetti wires,” or the existence of too many electrical wires on roads causing accidents. His proposals aim to instill a culture of responsibility within the government, following the basic principles of fairness and accountability that are important for our society’s well-being.
