Marcos Highway, better known as Marilaque (Manila-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon), has long been a favorite weekend destination for motorists since it was completed more than a decade ago. It is known for its smooth and winding roads, beautiful scenery, and eateries that are sure to satisfy your hunger during the trip.
Because of this, Marilaque has become notorious as an accident-prone area for tourists and residents alike. So the authorities took action and lowered the speed limit on the highway.
Recently, photos of what appears to be a newly enforced speed limit in Marilaque have circulated on social media. Seen on the tarpaulin with a 30-kilometer per hour speed limit within the municipal jurisdiction of Tanay. Motorists have been warned to strictly follow the new rule or they will be fined.
For clearer details about the new policy—such as the specific areas where it is implemented, if there are speed measuring devices, who (HPG, local traffic enforcers, barangay tanod) will enforce it, and what the punishment is for violators—we tried to contact the Public Safety Office (PSO) and Public Information Office (PIO) of the City of Tanay.
Tanay PIO does not have a messaging option on their official social media page, while Tanay PSO has yet to read or respond to our inquiry at the time of writing.
30 km/h under RA 4136
The 30 km/h speed limit was written in Republic Act 4136 which was implemented in June 1964. According to RA 4136, “whoever drives a vehicle on the highway must:
Drive at a careful and proper speed that is not more or less than is reasonable and appropriate with consideration of traffic, road width, and other existing or previous conditions,” and that “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed that endangers human life, health, and property, or at a speed that does not allow the vehicle to be stopped at a proper distance.”
On open provincial roads without blind corners and not surrounded by many houses, the maximum speed allowed for all types of vehicles and motorcycles is 80 km/h. On through streets or boulevards that are clear of traffic and without blind corners, the maximum speed is 40 km/h.
Today, on city and town streets with light traffic and not designated as “through streets,” the maximum speed allowed is 30 km/h.
"Through street" refers to the street where traffic movement is given priority.
