HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera has called for the abolition of the compulsory third-party liability (CTPL) insurance for motor vehicles, describing it as an outdated and redundant regulation that imposes unnecessary financial burdens on ordinary Filipinos.

Herrera said that the CTPL insurance requirement, which costs around P1,200 annually and is collected by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) during vehicle registration, places a disproportionate burden on vulnerable sectors such as jeepney drivers, delivery riders and solo parents who depend on every peso to support their families.

Herrera has filed a bill seeking to remove the CTPL requirement, while also emphasizing that the LTO already has the authority to halt its enforcement without the need for new legislation.

House Bill No. 11275 proposes the abolition the CTPL in the event that the motor vehicle owner has already obtained a comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy.

Herrera argued that comprehensive insurance fulfills the same purpose as CTPL while offering broader protection.

“While the principle behind requiring CTPL insurance is commendable, its redundancy when paired with comprehensive insurance negates its utility. Comprehensive insurance alone already fulfills the intent of ensuring accountability and financial security, while also streamlining the registration process and reducing the financial burden on motorists,” Herrera stated in the bill’s explanatory note.

The seasoned party-list lawmaker began her privilege speech by emphasizing the critical role motor vehicles play in the lives of millions of Filipinos.

“Today, I rise not just as a legislator but as a voice for the countless ordinary Filipinos who tirelessly strive to make ends meet—our jeepney drivers who brave the streets before the sun rises, our delivery riders who rush through rain or shine, and our single parents juggling multiple responsibilities,” Herrera declared.

She stressed that motor vehicles are essential for survival, particularly for low-income earners.

“For countless others, it is their lifeline. The tricycle driver in the province, the jeepney operator in the city, and the delivery truck owner trying to meet deadlines all rely on their vehicles to put food on the table, send their children to school, and provide for their families. Yet, every year, they are burdened with registration requirements that cost not only time but also hard-earned money,” she pointed out.

Herrera noted the disproportionate effect of the CTPL insurance requirement on struggling families, especially solo parents.

She explained how the annual cost, though seemingly minimal, could instead be used to meet urgent household needs.

“Imagine a single parent raising one, two, or even three children on their own. Every peso they earn is carefully budgeted. That P1,200 spent on CTPL insurance could have been used to buy additional school supplies, pay for electricity, or purchase the medicine their child desperately needs,” she said.

Herrera argued that the CTPL insurance requirement is no longer relevant, as most motorists already secure comprehensive motor vehicle insurance, which provides broader protection.

“While well-intentioned, this requirement has become redundant and impractical. Most motorists already avail of comprehensive motor vehicle insurance, which provides broader coverage, including third-party liability, theft, own damage, and passenger personal accidents,” she explained.

Herrera also noted that comprehensive insurance is already mandatory for vehicles financed through bank loans.

At the same time, she criticized the inefficiency of CTPL insurance, citing the difficulty of claiming benefits.

“The sad truth is that hardly anyone claims from CTPL insurance. The process is often cumbersome, riddled with red tape, and inaccessible to those who might benefit from it,” Herrera said.

She pointed out that CTPL insurance provides limited protection, capped at P200,000, whereas comprehensive insurance offers more substantial coverage.

While calling for legislative support, Herrera also pointed out that the LTO already has the authority to address the issue under Section 389 of the Amended Insurance Code.

This provision allows the LTO to waive the requirement for CTPL insurance by ensuring motor vehicle owners comply with alternative documentation.

“The LTO does not need to wait for Congress to act. It can immediately stop enforcing this burdensome requirement and spare Filipinos the unnecessary cost,” Herrera said.

Herrera called on her colleagues to address the issue and prioritize the needs of ordinary Filipinos.

“This reform is not just about simplifying processes or saving money—it is about dignity. It is about ensuring that every peso earned through hard work goes toward building a family’s future, not toward unnecessary costs,” she stressed.

She urged fellow lawmakers to take meaningful action, reminding them of their duty to ease the burdens of the Filipino people.

“These are the mothers who drive their children to school, the fathers who work late into the night to make ends meet, the young workers who juggle multiple jobs, and the public utility vehicle drivers who endure long hours just to bring home enough for the day,” Herrera said.

Herrera concluded her speech with a powerful appeal for reform. “By supporting this bill, we send a powerful message—that this House listens, that this House cares, and that this House acts in the best interests of every Filipino. Let us not just pass a bill; let us pass hope, fairness, and compassion into the lives of millions.”

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