FORMER Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan expressed his support for a 30 kilometer-per-hour speed limit around schools and other key areas in Kagulong’s Road Safety Agenda, highlighting alarming statistics on road crash fatalities.

“In the Philippines, nearly 13,000 lives are lost to road crashes every year. Many of these victims are young people aged 15 to 29—our children, our future,” Pangilinan said.

“These numbers are unacceptable. We must act decisively to ensure that our roads are not death traps but safe spaces where every Filipino can travel without fear,” he added, emphasizing the need for safer roads, particularly for the country’s youth.

Kagulong, a nationwide motorcycle riders’ advocacy group, presented its four-point Road Safety Agenda at the event, which includes creating the Philippine Road Safety Institute, implementing a 30-kph speed limit in areas with vulnerable road users, accelerating road repairs, and incorporating road safety education in school curriculums.

Pangilinan pledged his commitment to these initiatives, particularly the proposed Philippine Road Safety Institute, which he sees as a key strategy.

“Research, planning, and sustained action will save lives. Establishing the PSRI will enable us to make data-driven decisions and address road safety issues with precision,” he said.

Don Pangan, Kagulong officer and organizer, expressed his gratitude for Pangilinan’s support.

“We deeply appreciate Senator Kiko Pangilinan’s presence and his commitment to our Road Safety Agenda. His support is crucial in amplifying our call for safer roads and ensuring that future leaders prioritize this issue,” Pangan said.

“As a father, I cannot stand the thought of more parents losing their children to preventable road crashes,” Pangilinan added.