Increased insurance coverage on private vehicles, PUVs sought
President Bongbong Marcos has recently instructed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to examine proposals to change accident insurance for private vehicles and 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.”
Under the existing Passenger Personal Accident Insurance (PPAI), PUV passengers receive higher coverage than those in private vehicles. Specifically, bus and PUV passengers can claim up to PHP 400,000 for death and PHP 100,000 for injuries in road accidents. However, the total coverage for private vehicle passengers is capped at PHP 200,000 (PHP 100,000 for motorcycles), to be shared among all victims, regardless of their number.
The Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) pointed out this coverage disparity following tragic incidents like the December 2024 Katipunan Flyover crash, which resulted in four deaths and 25 injuries. The group noted that only a total of PHP 200,000 was disbursed for all Katipunan victims, leaving families and the injured with minimal compensation – a similar situation was observed after the SCTEX multi-vehicle accident, where ten lives were lost.
