PBBM wants review on increased insurance coverage for private vehicles, PUVs

President Ferdinand R. "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to study proposals aimed at amending accident insurance policies for both private and public utility vehicles (PUVs).

“The President has ordered Secretary Vince Dizon to thoroughly study the proposal regarding higher insurance coverage for Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs),” said Malacañang Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro. “This, on the other hand, is for the added protection of those who might become victims of negligence or accidents on the road.”

The existing Passenger Personal Accident Insurance (PPAI) policy offers a higher level of coverage for PUV passengers compared to those in private vehicles. Meanwhile, bus and PUV passengers are entitled to up to PHP 400,000 for death and PHP 100,000 for injuries in road accidents. Meanwhile, the total coverage for private vehicle passengers is capped at PHP 200,000 only, irrespective of the number of casualties or injuries, with this amount being shared among them.

This discrepancy was brought to the forefront by the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) after significant accidents, such as the December 2024 Katipunan Flyover crash that caused four fatalities and injured 25.

The group pointed out that the total compensation released for all victims of the Katipunan Flyover crash amounted to a mere PHP 200,000, leaving grieving families and injured individuals with only a small portion of what they should have received. This insufficient compensation was also the case in the aftermath of the multi-vehicle accident on SCTEX, which tragically claimed ten lives.