Land Transportation Office (LTO) National Capital Region Director Clarence Guinto apologized Monday afternoon over his suggestion that Filipino families should use larger cars in order to ensure compliance with a law requiring specialized car seats for children aged 12 and younger.
"I am sorry for the confusion I have caused with my remark, which was made in jest. I realize now that it was inappropriate," Guinto said in a statement released on LTO's social media channels.
Guinto drew flak from netizens after a clip of his interview over DZMM radio on the subject of child restrain systems (CRS) went viral.
"Kung 12-years-old sobrang tangkad, lalagyan ng booster (CRS) tatama ulo sa kotse, hindi ba delikado? (If there's a very tall 12-year-old and you place a booster under his seat, wouldn't that be dangerous because his head will hit the roof of the car)?" asked anchor Amy Perez.
"Tama po yun. Siguro laki-lakihan mo yung sasakyan mo (That’s correct. You should use a larger car)," Guinto suggested.
The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act or the Child Car Seat Law mandates the use of CRS or car seats in private vehicles for child passengers who are 12 years old and below.
"To clarify, if the child is above 4'11", the child is exempted from using a child car seat under the law and may be secured using the regular seat belt," explained Guinto.
Based on the implementing rules of the law, which will take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 2, violators will be fined P1,000 on the first offense, P2,000 on second offense, and P5,000 plus suspension of the driver's license for a period of one year on the third and succeeding offenses.