JAN 8, 2016

NR # 4073B

Creation of National Automotive Safety Administration pushed

A lawmaker is seeking to create an independent body on automotive safety, which
will undertake investigation of malfunctioning motor vehicles in the country.
Rep. Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City) said it is incumbent upon the
government to establish an independent body that will ensure the safety of the drivers and
the commuters from malfunctioning motor vehicles.
The mishaps involving Mitsubishi Monteros so-called Sudden Unintended
Acceleration (SUA) are an urgent matter that needs an in-depth investigation by an
independent body, Castelo said.
The issue calls for immediate resolution as it poses imminent and clear danger to
the public, he stressed.
Castelo cited the complaints of some owners of Mitsubishi Montero have
complained that their vehicle would suddenly accelerate when the driver did not intend for
it, hence, resulting in disaster.
Auto engineers affiliated with the company have conducted investigation but
Castelo said the probe would definitely yield dubious findings, hence the need for an
independent body.
In House Bill 6307, the National Automotive Safety Administration is created to
undertake the investigation of malfunctioning motor vehicles, Castelo said.
The measure to be known as the National Automotive Safety Administration Act of
2015 shall constitute an independent body whose function is to investigate
malfunctioning motor vehicles.
The amount needed to carry out the provisions of the proposed Act shall be charged
against the 2015 appropriations of the Department of Transportation and Communication
(DOTC).
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the effective implementation of the
proposed Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (30) jc