. " 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
,s I'll lIt (' 
t€lfft;-f. tlf tire ~t(TttarlJ 
First Regular Session 
'14 
MAR -3 P3 :59 
SENh.,.TE 
S.B. 
~152 
RECEI\\o:1) BV'-"f 
Introduced by Senator Poe 
AN ACT 
ORDAINING THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF TAXI PASSENGERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article 1755 of the Civil Code provides that" A common carrier is bound to carry 
the passengers' safety as far as human care and foresight can provide, using the utmost 
diligence of very cautious persons, which a due regard for all the circumstances." 
Thousands of Filipinos commute every day. For the majority, taxi is one of the 
many preferred vehicles in terms of public transportation-the lifeblood of any 
metropolis - which carries them to their daily grind of having to go to work, to school or 
to their homes where they reunite with their family and loved ones. It is a vital element 
in our society that, at the very least, a Filipino will have to take some time in his or her 
life. 
Thus, it is upsetting that reports of cab" drivers subjecting passengers to unfair 
trade practices and abuse remain steadily on the rise and unaddressed. Cab drivers, 
whose earnings are tied down to making money above their daily rental "boundary" and 
fuel rate, will do anything to make the cut. These reports involve incidents of 
overcharging, refusal of passengers, reckless driving, circuitous driving, meter tampering 
and even extreme cases of passengers being sedated, among others. Such schemes cannot 
be tolerated. The rights of a taxi passenger cannot be forfeited in place of profit and a lack 
of goodwill. 
Hence, this bill seeks to clearly enumerate and establish the rights of taxi 
passengers and the responsibilities of taxi drivers and operators. Moreover, it also seeks 
to support current provisions of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory 
Board in determining the system and proper avenue for passengers to file their 
complaints with regard to their rights that are violated. 
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In order to uphold the intrinsic rights of taxi passengers, and raise the service and 
industry standards of taxi cabs and operators, the immediate passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
t:1!:.~ ?f1C2-
G{ACEPOE 
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" 
,j1'l1ntr 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
I~HIfF'- df HIli" c;'~tr1'tbr!l 
First Regular Session 
'14 
MAR -3 P 3 :59 
SENATE 
S.B. 2152 
Introduced by Senator Poe 
/ 
AN ACT 
01' • 
ORDAINING THE BILL OF RIGHTS TAXI PASSENGERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Bill of Rights of Taxi 
Passengers." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State values the dignity of every human 
person and guarantees full respect for human rights. Towards this end, the State shall 
afford the public their established rights and the principles that will outline expectations 
on their commute to ensure their safety and improve taxi service in the country. 
to: 
SECTION 3. Rights of Taxi Passengers. - Every taxi passenger shall have the right 
a. Licensed driver; 
b. A properly dressed and courteous driver who will provide assistance, if 
requested, at no extra cost; 
c. A driver who is not under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs; 
d. Ride in a clean, safe and smoke-free taxi; 
e. Be transported to their stated destination, regardless of trip length; 
f. Direct the route, or expect the most economical route; 
g. A taxi meter calibrated and duly sealed by the Land transportation Franchising 
and regulatory Board; 
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h. View the metered fare and request a receipt; 
i. Be given the exact amount of change; 
j. Travel with a service animal and/or portable mobility aid; 
k. Request for a quieti silent trip (no radio copversation); and 
1. A substitute taxi, or be assisted to' procure one, in case of mechanical! engine 
trouble or other similar instances that hinders the continuation of carriage, and 
by this reason, cause the waiver for payment of the flag-down taxi rate. 


· , 
SECTION 4. Responsibilities of Taxi Drivers and Operators. -
A taxi 
driver/operator shall: 
a. Display his/her taxi Driver's License in a manner that is clearly visible to all 
passengers; 
b. Indicate on the inside doors of the taxi, the plate number of the taxi, the taxi 
operator's name, place of business and contact numbers; 
c. Display in a prominent/ conspicuous place within the taxi, the rights of the taxi 
passengers, the procedure on filing of complaints for any of its violation, as 
well as the contact information to be provided by the LTFRB; 
d. Be courteous, and render assistance to the passenger, if requested; 
e. Accept all trips regardless of length; 
f. Avoid violating any law or traffic regulation; 
g. Refrain from using cell phone while in transit and carrying passengers; 
h. Provide a clean, safe and smoke free taxi; 
i. Protect the taxi passenger's health or safety; 
j. Refrain from soliciting or requiring passengers to pay more than the displayed 
meter fare, and 
k. Know the major routes and destinations. 
SECTION 5. Filing of Complaints for Violation of Rights. - A taxi passenger • 
whose rights herein have been violated, shall file a personal complaint against the driver 
and operator of the taxi, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 
(LTFRB) which shall conduct the investigation and provide the necessary forum for 
adjudication of these complaints. 
The complaint instituted under the prOViSions of this Act shall be without 
prejudice to the filing of a civil criminal complaint for the violation of any law and/or 
other existing local ordinance, whenever applicable. 
SECTION 6. Fines and penaltie~. - Any taxi driver who wilfully violates any of the 
provisions enumerated under Section 3 of this Act shall be solidarily liable with their taxi 
operators and shall be meted a fine and/ or a penalty, depending on the following: 
a. First Offense. - A minimum fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500,00) but not to exceed 
Two Thousand pesos (P2,000.00); 
b. Second Offense. - A minimum fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) but not to 
exceed Five Thousand pesos (P5,000.00); 
c. Third and Succeeding Offenses. -
A minimum of Three Thousand pesos 
(P3,000.00) but not to exceed Ten Thousand pesos (10,000.00) and the suspension 
of the driver's license and/or the Certificate of public Convenience for a period of 
one (1) week. 
SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - In the enforcement of this Act, 
the LTFRB shall within sixty (60) days from its effectivity, promulgate the necessary 
implementing rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 


SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation 
of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the LTFRB under the current 
General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its 
full implementation shall be included in the GAA as a distinct and separate item. The 
amount of fines collected in the enforcement of this Act shall be used exclusively in the 
furtherance of its effective implementation including information disseminations, 
education and awareness campaigns. 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this act is held invalid 
or unconstitutionat the remaining provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid 
and subsisting. 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presid,ential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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