Open Letter to Parents After Tagaytay Drunk Driving Crash Involving Teen and Pregnant Victim

After a tragic crash in Tagaytay involving a drunk teen driver and the death of a pregnant woman, this open letter urges Filipino parents to reflect on teen responsibility and real-life consequences.

Dear Fellow Parents,

We want to believe our kids know better.
That when they say “kami na bahala,” we can actually let go.
But then something like this happens, and we’re reminded why they still need us.

June 17, 2025 | Tagaytay City | 12:50 AM

Five teens. Fresh out of Senior High School.
Nag-inom. Nag-road trip. May nagyayabang pa sa manibela.

Their van slammed into a car.

Open Letter to Parents After Tagaytay Drunk Driving Crash Involving Teen and Pregnant Victim

Inside that car was a young couple and a kind friend—the car owner—who just offered to drive them to the hospital.

The woman inside was 8 months pregnant.
She was just going for a routine check-up.

All three died. Including the unborn baby.

The five teens in the van?
Sugatan, pero buhay.

This isn’t just a tragic story.

It’s a warning. A gut punch.
And it could’ve been any of us.

What if it was our child behind the wheel?
Or our daughter crossing the street?
Or our family in that car?

We’re not here to blame. We’re here to reflect, because this is not the first time, and it won’t be the last… unless we step in.

Open Letter to Parents After Tagaytay Drunk Driving Crash Involving Teen and Pregnant Victim

Mga magulang, here’s what we must remember:

Freedom without maturity is dangerous.
Just because they’re of age, doesn’t mean they’re ready for adult decisions—like driving under pressure, handling alcohol, or knowing when to say no.

Conversations save lives.
Don’t stop reminding them. Even when they roll their eyes. Even when they say “Alam ko na po.” Uulitin mo pa rin.

It’s okay to say no.
You’re not being “KJ.” You’re being a parent. And sometimes, being unpopular is the price of keeping them safe.

Don’t give them the keys if they’re not ready.
Whether it’s a car or a big responsibility—make sure they can carry the weight.

This tragedy didn’t have to happen. But now that it has, let’s not waste the lesson.

Walang masama sa pagtitiwala kung tinuruan mong maging responsable.
And it starts at home, with us.

Let’s raise kids who know how to protect not just their own lives, but others’.

With love, concern, and urgency,
TheAsianparent Philippines

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Written by

Hi, I’m Hazel Paras-Cariño—Head of Content at theAsianparent Philippines, proud mom of two, and passionate storyteller at heart. With over 11 years of experience in content strategy, digital marketing, and editorial leadership, I now lead our content across web, app, and social platforms to serve one of the most important audiences out there: Filipino parents. Whether it's creating informative articles, engaging mobile experiences, or meaningful social conversations, I believe content should connect with both data and heart.

Before this role, I worked as App Marketing Manager and Web Content Editor at theAsianparent, and previously contributed to NGOs, tech, and creative industries. I hold a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication, but my real education comes from balancing deadlines, diapers, and the daily chaos of motherhood. When I’m off-duty, you’ll find me painting, dancing, or exploring imaginative stories with my kids—sometimes all at once.

Let’s keep creating content that informs, empowers, and uplifts families.