Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRHSENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSEB|LLNo.9689
ECEIVED
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Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to mandate the Department of Public Works and Highways to maintain,
repair, or rehabilitate unclassified bridges all over the country.
Transportation  has  always  played  a  very   significant  role  in  any  country.     The
construction as well as maintenance of roads as  a very  important component of a nation's
transportation  system  is  therefore  a very  important task that must be  undertaken.  Bridges,
which link roads  and  also  enable us to pass  over bodies of water or man-made  or natural
structures play a crucial role in a country's road network.
Data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reveal that, as of
2021, there are around 8,546 bridges all over the country under its care. However, this figure
does not include bridges that are neither classified as national or local bridges. Examples of
these are some bridges that cross over expressways. As such, it is unclean whether the DPWH
or  local  government  units  (LGUs)  has  the  responsibility  for  their  maintenance,  repair  or
rehabilitation of these infrastructures.   This results to the deterioration of these bridges that
endangers both pedestrians and motorists.
This  proposed  measure   seeks  to  address  this  prevailing  situation  by  giving  the
responsibility of maintaining, repairing or rehabilitating these bridges all over the country, be
they national, local or unclassified,  to the DPWII. This is grounded on the fact that under the
Administrative Code of 1987,  said agency is mandated among others, to  "proi;z.c7e  /ecfo7?z.ccz/
services fior  the plarming,  design,  construction,  maintenance,  or  operation Of infrastructure
/¢cj/7./7.ef. " Based on this, compared to LGUs and other government agencies, it may be stated
that  the DPWII is better equipped and is therefore in a better position to perform the task of
maintaining, repairing ot rehabilitating bridges as it is one of its core functions.
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is eamestly sought.
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVHS
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousnB|LLNo.9839
Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi
AN ACT
MANDATING  THE  DEPARTMENT  0F  PUBLIC  WORKS  AND  HIGHWAYS  T0
MAINTAIN, REPAIR, OR REHABILITATE ALL UNCLASSIFIED BRIDGES IN THE
COUNTRY
Be  it  enacted by  the  Senate  and the  House  Of Representatives  of the  Philippines  in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. S72o7./ rz.//e. -This Act shall be known as the  "Scz/edy a/Brz.c7ges j4cf ".
SEC. 2. Dec/crrc7rz.o7? a/Po/z.c);. -It is hereby the policy of the State to ensure the safety
of its citizens using public roads. The safe transportation of people, goods and products shall
be a primordial concern of the State. Towards this end, the government shall pursue  measures
to ensure that the country's road network, which includes bridges, are properly maintained,
repaired or rehabilitated.
EEC. 3. Maintenance,  Repair or Rehabilitation Of Bridges. -The rn:allritenance, repair
and rehabilitation of all unclassified bridges in the country shall be the responsibility of the
Department  of Public  Works  and  Highways  (DPWH).  The  Secretary  of the  DPWII  shall
include  in  the  department's  program,  the  maintenance,  repair  and  rehabilitation  of    all
unclassified bridges in the country and the funding of which shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act.
SEC.    4.   Separczbz./z.ty   C/cz#s'e.    -   If   any   provision   or   part   thereof   is   declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby, shall remain
in full force and effect.
SEC.  5.  Jtapecr/z.ng C/cJwse.  - All  laws,  acts,  decrees,  executive  orders,  issuances,  and
rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to and inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed, anended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 6. Eji7recfz.w.ty. -This Act shall take effect immediately following its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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