DOH supports 30 km/h speed limit in cities, municipalities

With the recent crashes that have been happening on Philippine roads, the Department of Health (DOH) recently called to action all stakeholders to promote practices and policies for safer roads.

During the 2025 Road Safety Summit held in Pasay City over the weekend, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa shared that road accidents continue to be one of the top 10 causes of death among Filipinos.

“Let us all move forward with urgency and unity, and let us renew the commitment to reduce road crash deaths and serious injuries by 50 percent by 2028. Let us reject complacency (and) pursue evidence-based solutions,” said Herbosa.

Based on the latest data by the DOH, about 12,000 Filipinos die due to road accidents annually. In 2024 alone, the agency recorded more than 37,000 road-related injuries. With it, Herbosa added that there should be stricter enforcement of road-related laws and improved motorist behavior in both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. Moreover, roads should also be improved to cater to both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

The Health Secretary also expressed support for the full implementation of a 30 km/h speed limit in city and municipality streets. Based on the LTO's Traffic Code or Republic Act 4136, the maximum allowable speed on city and municipality streets, with light traffic, is only 30 km/h for passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses.

Earlier this month, Baguio City announced it would strictly enforce a 20-30 km/h speed limit on all its roads amid the increase in road crashes. The measure was first passed in 2019 by the city council, will now be rigorously enforced. According to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the 20 km/h speed limit is being imposed within the city's central business district and other major thoroughfares. Meanwhile, the 30 km/h speed limit is being imposed on inner roads.

With the DOH in full support of imposing a 30 km/h speed limit on city streets and municipalities, will this help curb road crashes, which allow for a safer environment for everyone? Or will it result in traffic flow slowing down overall? Let us know in the comments what you think.