The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) clarified that arrests are not automatically required in traffic accidents, following a Quezon City incident where a driver nearly faced criminal charges after hitting a student who fell from an LRT-1 platform.
Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan explained that police officers sometimes resort to arrests in fatal accidents to avoid charges of grave misconduct or negligence.
“Wala naman nakalagay na kailangan arestuhin, so ‘yun yung kelangan klaruhin, ‘yung kailangan maayos nakalagay sa ating magiging bagong manual para magabayan ang ating kapulisan,” he said.
Calinisan noted that drivers involved in fatal accidents may either undergo inquest proceedings or face regular criminal charges depending on available evidence.
“To be clear, ‘yung isang option arestuhin at dalhin sa prosecution, tinatawag na inquest, yung second ay pakalawalan at kasuhan ng regular filing pag hindi malinaw na evidence o wala naman negligence,” he added.
The driver in the LRT incident has since been released. NAPOLCOM and the Philippine National Police are reviewing traffic procedures to better guide officers in exercising discretion.
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito renewed calls for the passage of the Defensive Driving Protection Act, which aims to protect motorists from immediate imprisonment after accidents.
Calinisan expressed support for the measure, saying it would provide clarity and consistency in police traffic procedures.