Marcos Highway, more popularly known as Marilaque (Manila-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon), has always been a popular weekend destination for motorists since its completion more than a decade ago. It has smooth winding roads, beautiful sceneries, and restaurants that would surely fill a hungry tummy along the way.

However, during the past couple of years, what was once a beautiful destination for travelers is now littered with unruly motorists, mostly motorcycle riders, who turned it into their personal racetrack and worse, their own stage for their deliberate disregard for traffic laws.

As a result, Marilaque has become notorious as an accident-prone area for tourists and local townsfolk. As a result, authorities have taken action by reducing the speed limit along the highway.

_{Photo courtesy of Reego Soriano}

Just recently, photos of what seems to be a new speed limit being enforced along Marilaque have made rounds on social media. The tarpaulin in the photos, apparently with a 30-kilometer-per-hour speed limit within the municipal jurisdiction of Tanay, warns motorists to strictly follow this new rule or be penalized.

For clarification on the specifics of this new rule, like if there are only specific points along Marilaque where this new speed limit is being imposed, do they have speed measuring devices, or who (HPG, local traffic enforcers, barangay tanods) will enforce this new rule, and what penalties await those who will violate this new rule, we have tried reaching out to both the Public Safety Office (PSO) and Public Information Office (PIO) of the Municipality of Tanay.

Tanay PIO has no messaging option on its official social media page, while Tanay PSO has not read or replied to our inquiry as of this writing.

_{Photo courtesy of Reego Soriano}

30 km/h in RA 4136

A 30 km/h speed limit is written in Republic Act 4136, which was enacted in June of 1964. According to RA 4136, “any person driving a motor vehicle on a highway shall:

Drive at a careful and prudent speed not greater nor less than is reasonable and proper with due regard for the traffic, the width of the highway, and of any other existing and prior conditions,” and that “No person shall drive any motor vehicle at such a speed as to endanger the life, limb and property of any person, nor at a speed greater than will permit him to bring the vehicle to a stop within an assured clear distance ahead.”

On open country roads with no blind corners and not closely bordered by habitations, the maximum speed allowed for all types of motor vehicles and motorcycles is 80 km/h. On through streets or boulevards, clear of traffic, with no blind corners, when so designated, the maximum speed allowed is 40 km/h.

Now, on city and municipal streets, with light traffic, when not designated as “through streets”, the maximum speed allowed is 30 km/h.

A “through street” by definition is a “a street on which the through movement of traffic is given preference.”