On May 1, 2025, a tragic crash along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) claimed 10 lives—including a young couple traveling with their child. The sole survivor from their vehicle was their 2-year-old son. He lived, not by chance, but because he was secured in a car seat.
This incident has put the spotlight back on Republic Act No. 11229, also known as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, and why proper use of child restraint systems (CRS) can save lives.
What Happened in the SCTEX Crash?
According to reports, a bus collided with multiple vehicles at the SCTEX toll plaza in Tarlac. Among them was an SUV carrying a small family. The parents tragically did not survive. Their toddler, however, walked away from the wreck with only minor injuries.
Responders found the child still strapped in his car seat, safe despite the severity of the crash. His survival is a powerful, real-world example of how life-saving a CRS can be.
RA 11229: What the Law Says About Car Seats
The Philippines passed RA 11229 – the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, and it came into effect in 2021. It was created to protect children like the SCTEX survivor from road accidents.
Key points of the law include:
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Children 12 years old and below, who are under 4’11” in height, must use a child restraint system (car seat) when riding in private vehicles.
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The CRS must meet international safety standards, certified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
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Children who fall under these guidelines are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a moving vehicle.
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Penalties for non-compliance include:
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₱1,000 fine for the first offense
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₱2,000 for the second
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₱5,000 and a one-year license suspension for the third
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Using substandard or unapproved CRS may result in fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000.
Note: Public utility vehicles (PUVs) like jeepneys, buses, and taxis are currently exempt from this requirement.
Car Seat Guidelines by Age Group
To help parents follow the law and keep their children safe, here are updated car seat recommendations based on age and weight:
Infants (0–12 months)
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Use a rear-facing infant car seat
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Install in the back seat only
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Choose a model that supports infants from 0 to 13 kg (around 29 lbs)
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Never install rear-facing seats in front of an active airbag
💡 Rear-facing seats offer better head, neck, and spine protection in a crash.
Toddlers (1–4 years old)
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Keep rear-facing as long as possible, based on the seat’s height/weight limit (usually up to 18 kg or 40 lbs)
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If your child outgrows rear-facing, switch to a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness
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Still in the back seat only
💡 The longer your child stays rear-facing, the safer they are.
Young Children (4–7 years old)
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Use a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they outgrow it
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Always keep the seat in the back seat
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Do not move to a booster seat until your child meets the seat’s minimum height and weight limits (usually 18–25 kg or 40–55 lbs)
💡 Harnesses provide a more secure fit than adult seatbelts alone.
Older Kids (7–12 years old)
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Transition to a booster seat only when the child has outgrown their forward-facing seat
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Keep using a booster until the seatbelt fits properly without it
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The lap belt should lie flat across the upper thighs, not the stomach
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The shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face
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Child must remain in the back seat if under 4’11” (150 cm) in height
💡 Most kids need a booster seat until they’re at least 10–12 years old.
Why Car Seats Matter—Now More Than Ever
The World Health Organization states that car seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 60 percent among young children during road crashes.
Despite this, compliance in the Philippines remains critically low. A 2022 study observed that only 2 percent of children in vehicles were using car seats, and 62 percent were not restrained at all.
The SCTEX incident is a wake-up call. While we can’t control the actions of other drivers, we can take steps to protect our children.
What Every Parent Needs to Do
If you are a parent, guardian, or caregiver, here’s what you can do today:
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Make sure you have the right car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height.
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Check if it meets DTI-approved safety standards.
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Install it properly and use it every time you travel, no matter how short the trip.
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Know the law—RA 11229 exists to protect children, not to punish parents.
Final Thoughts
The SCTEX tragedy is painful, but the child’s survival offers a message of hope—and a call to action. Car seats are not just accessories; they are essential safety tools.
Let’s raise awareness, share information, and normalize the use of car seats in every Filipino family. Because one car seat can save a life.
