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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian: Deployment of road safety, health emergency teams crucial for May 2025 polls

Gatchalian: Deployment of road safety, health emergency teams crucial for May 2025 polls

Published May 11, 2025 03:23 pm

At A Glance

  • Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the deployment of road safety and health emergency response teams, as Filipinos head to their provinces to vote for the May 12, 2025 is a crucial step in ensuring public safety during this high-risk period. 

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, May 11 welcomed the deployment of road safety measures and health emergency teams on major highways a day before the conduct of the 2025 midterm elections, saying it is crucial during this high-risk period. 

This, as the Department of Health (DOH), deployed its Health Emergency Response Teams (HERTs) along major highways, including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), to respond to medical emergencies as thousands of travelers return to their provinces ahead of May 12 or Election Day.

“The deployment of road safety and health emergency response teams, as Filipinos head to their provinces to vote, is a crucial step in ensuring public safety during this high-risk period,” Gatchalian said.

“With increased traffic volume and extreme heat, the presence of these teams—working closely with law enforcers and traffic authorities—should guarantee immediate, coordinated, and visible action in case of accidents or medical emergencies,” he stressed. 

Gatchalian said this readiness should extend beyond toll roads and include all major highways nationwide.

“Kailangang mabilis, maagap, at maayos ang aksyon para matiyak ang ligtas na biyahe ng bawat Pilipino (Action must be quick, prompt, and orderly to ensure the safe travel of every Filipino),” he said.

Road safety concerns became paramount after the Philippines was rocked by a series of road crash incidents early this month. 

Two people died during when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 1 on Sunday, May 4.  The fatalities involved a five-year old child and a 29-year old man.

Prior to this, a multi-vehicle collision occurred at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway on May 1, killing 10 people—including four children—and injuring more than 30 people. 

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