Philippine roads are in the grip of a national safety crisis, transport advocate and Angkasangga Party-list nominee George Royeca said on Tuesday, calling for sweeping reforms to protect commuters and frontline transport workers.

Speaking at the Pandesal Forum, Royeca cited recent fatal crashes—including a multi-vehicle collision along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and an accident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) that killed a five-year-old child—as stark reminders of systemic failure.

“We are facing a national crisis in transportation safety,” said Royeca. “Lives are being lost daily—not just because of accidents, but because of a system that consistently treats road safety as an afterthought. Every fatal crash is a policy failure.”

Royeca, the first nominee of partylist group Angkasangga (#107), said transport policy must shift from focusing solely on mobility to treating safety as a core public right. “Transportation is about survival,” he said. “Safety should not be a privilege—it must be a right protected by law.”

The Angkas co-founder outlined a legislative agenda aimed at closing regulatory gaps, particularly in motorcycle transport, which he said remains poorly governed despite its ubiquity in Philippine urban life. His proposals include mandatory road safety education for drivers, national standards for motorcycle taxis, and infrastructure reforms to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Royeca also underscored the need for data-driven regulation and stronger support for the country’s informal transport workforce. “We need digital tools, real-time feedback, and responsive regulation to create a commuter-first culture. Modern problems require modern answers,” he said.

At the heart of his platform is representation. Royeca said transport workers and daily commuters have been historically left out of legislative discussions, despite bearing the brunt of poor policies. “Angkasangga was created to change that—to ensure their voices are heard in Congress and that policies are crafted with them, not just for them.”

Tuesday’s forum, hosted at the 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café, served as a backdrop for growing public frustration over road safety and infrastructure. Royeca’s remarks reinforced calls for urgent reform, with the general elections less than a week away.