TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 1892 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CLAUDINE DIANA D. BAUTISTA-LIM 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF COMMUTERS TO PROMOTE 
EFFICIENT, SAFE, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to establish commuters’ rights in relation to their use of Public 
Utility Vehicles.  Under this Act, the rights and duties of both commuters and operators 
and drivers of Public Utility Vehicles are set forth.  In particular, five (5) general rights 
shall be guaranteed under this Act, particularly the commuters’: 1) Right to Integrated, 
Reliable, Adequate, Convenient and Accessible Public Transportation Services and 
Related Infrastructures; 2) Right to Choose a Public Transport; 3) Right to Safe and 
Secure Travel; 4) Right to Participate in Decision-Making Process; and 5) Right to 
Information.  
Considering the unprecedented challenges facing the country, we need to 
ensure that the safety and well-being of our commuters are protected.   
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is highly sought. 
REP. CLAUDINE DIANA D. BAUTISTA-LIM 
DUMPER-PTDA Partylist 
July 15, 2025
10:00 am


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 1892 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CLAUDINE DIANA D. BAUTISTA-LIM 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF COMMUTERS TO PROMOTE 
EFFICIENT, SAFE, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta of 
Commuters.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the Sate to guarantee a safe, 
convenient, efficient, seamless and healthy exercise of freedom of movement to 
ensure a high standard of living and quality life for all.  
Mobility is a basic human need as people have to move from one place to 
another to enjoy their rights, avail goods and services, perform their mandates, and 
conduct business, among other things, that define the socio-political and economic 
landscape.  Toward this end, the State shall:  
a) Provide the necessary mechanisms, human and financial resources, and
legal measures to enable its citizens to enjoy fully the rights embodied in
this Act.
b) Guarantee the right of all citizens to participate in the policy formulation,
planning, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of all
institutions, programs, projects and services related to upholding the rights
of commuters;


 
c) Ensure the connectivity of all transportation infrastructures and support 
facilities that will allow a seamless access for commuters to their 
destinations;  
d) Ensure the sufficiency of public transportation services;  
e) Ensure that all transportation services, are efficient, safe, fast, eco-friendly 
and economical;  
f) Ensure that public transportation and related facilities are accessible to all 
commuters, regardless of age, gender, economic status, and physical 
condition;  
g) Strictly enforce the laws on emission standards and promote the use of non-
motorized vehicles and other modes of mobility to improve the quality of air.  
 
Sec. 3. Definitions. – For purposes of this Act: 
a) Active Transport refers to non-motorized means of travel including walking 
or using a bicycle;  
b) Activity Center refers to a place in a city or municipality where people gather 
regularly for work, worship, education, social events, trade, exercise, leisure 
or other common interests and purposes;  
c) Commuter refers to a person that needs to travel from one place to another, 
often using a combination of transportation modes to get to a particular 
destination;  
d) Greenway refers to a road, street, or path with ample greenery and shade 
where private motorized transport is not allowed, that also serves as 
recreational space or a public park, in order to welcome and encourage 
environmentally sustainable transportation modes, especially walking and 
cycling.  
e) Mobility refers to the ability of a person to travel from one place to another 
to conduct daily and extraordinary activities and business.  
f) Private Motorized Transport refers to a motorized vehicle weighing more 
than one hundred (100) kilograms;  
g) Public Transport refers to public sector and franchised private sector 
services that transport people over land such as, but not limited to, 
jeepneys, utility vehicles (UVs), buses, minibuses, railways, taxis and 
tricycles, and ferries operating in navigable rivers, lakes and inland waters;  
 
CHAPTER II 
RIGHTS OF COMMUTERS 
 
A. Right to Integrated, Reliable, Adequate, Convenient and Accessible 
Public Transportation Services and Related Infrastructures  
 
Sec. 4. Right to Accessible, Convenient and Integrated Transportation 
Structures. – To improve mobility, the State shall provide the following minimum 
requirements:  


 
 
a) Every city and municipality must have community-wide network of roads, 
with appropriate sidewalks, crosswalks, loading/unloading bays, lightings, 
traffic lights, and signages.  Road infrastructures must take into 
consideration the needs and requirements of commuters belonging to the 
sector of persons with disabilities or limited mobility;  
b) If feasible, each barangay must have a network of greenways to encourage 
active transport;  
c) A public transport must be available within a radius of five hundred (500) 
meters from any residential area or activity center in a city;  
d) A public transport must be connected to another public transport within a 
radius of three hundred (300) meters to promote seamless connectivity 
between modes;  
e) Every road with speed limit of sixty kilometers per hour (60 kph) must have 
dedicated bike lanes; and  
f) Every transportation hub, terminal or activity center must be adequately 
provided with bicycle racks.  Such racks shall be provided at street level if 
possible, and at most one level above or below the street.  
 
Sec. 5. Right to Sufficient, Reliable and Comfortable Transportation 
Services. – Public transport:  
 
a) Must be supported by properly equipped, adequately-sized and well-
maintained terminals and stops, with attention to the safety and comfort of 
commuters;  
b) Must be sufficient in quantity that commuter waiting time at stops and 
terminals is within reasonable levels during peak demand periods;  
c) Must be accorded priority in the use of road space that every public transport 
service is able to traverse without unnecessary delay; and 
d) Must observe a no-waiting policy in loading and unloading of stations to 
avoid traffic build-up.  
 
B. Right to Choose Public Transport 
 
Sec. 6. Right to Choose a Public Transport Service. – The option of using a 
particular mode of available public transport belongs to the commuter.  A commuter 
may not be forced to use a particular mode of public transportation service.  
 
C. Right to Safe and Secure Travel  
 
Sec. 7. Right to Safety. – To ensure the safety of commuters, as well as the 
drivers and pedestrians: 
a) Every road with a speed limit of over twenty kilometers per hour (20 kph) 
but not more than sixty kilometers per hour (60 kph) must feature a 


 
dedicated pedestrian infrastructure, in the form of an unobstructed 
crosswalks of at least two and a half (2.5) meters wide in each direction;  
b) Public transport services must be equipped with a working closed-circuit 
television (CCTVs) to monitor the operation of the public utility vehicle 
(PUV) and the road behavior of drivers, particular on the matter of speed 
limits, while operating the vehicle, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 
may require the submission of CCTV recordings to prove any complaints of 
misdemeanor of drivers.  The tampering or destruction of CCTV or the 
contents thereof shall be punishable in accordance with existing laws;  
c) PUV operators must adopt a fixed compensation system for PUV drivers in 
the amount not below the minimum wage prevailing in the area of operation: 
Provided, That if the route covers more than one municipality, city of 
province, the basis of compensation shall be the highest minimum wage in 
the area of coverage;  
d) Stranded passengers shall be informed in a timely manner about how they 
will be redirected to their final destination.  If onward journeys are 
unavailable for more than one (1) hour, the transport operator shall provide 
food, water, and access to a waiting area with restrooms and ventilation; In 
the event of a service breakdown or apprehension resulting in the 
premature termination of journey, the transport operator shall have the duty 
to secure the onward journey of the affected passengers by providing a 
replacement unit at no additional expense or the refund of the fare: 
Provided, That in the case of apprehension leading to the impounding of 
vehicle, the apprehending officer shall allow the PUV driver to bring the 
passengers to the nearest terminal or lading /unlading bay; and 
e) Every PUV, while in operation, must be equipped with first aid kit that can 
be used during emergency situations.  The lack of this requirement shall be 
a ground for suspension or cancellation of franchise.  PUV drivers must 
undergo basic first aid training as a requirement for the issuance of 
professional driver’s license.  
 
Sec. 8. Right to Security. – To enhance the safety of the commuting public:  
a) Recordings of CCTVs and other similar recording devices installed in 
public transport shall be preserved for security purposes.  The copy of 
recordings shall be made available by the operator or owner of a PUV 
upon demand by authorized government agencies during the conduct 
of official investigation and in cases pending before the court; and  
b) Identification cards for PUV drivers, as prescribed by the Land 
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the plate 
number of the PUIV, and emergency numbers of assistance by the 
Philippine National Police (PNP) and other relevant agencies shall be 
prominently displayed inside the vehicle within the view of passengers 
or in any other conspicuous place within the vehicle.  
 


 
D. Right to Participate in Decision Making Process 
 
Sec. 9. Right of Representation. – To ensure that the welfare and 
interest of commuters are considered in all decision-making related to mobility 
and transportation services, commuters, individually or through an organized 
commuter organization or group, have the right to advance notice and information 
on any proposed policy, regulation, project or service at local or national level that 
affect their mobility, including full details on how they will be affected by the 
proposed initiative.  Such information shall be made through publication or 
invitation in such manner that the same shall reach the recipient not later than ten 
(10) working days before a scheduled public consultation.  
 
In the conduct of public consultation, the concerned or host agency shall make 
parallel efforts through social media and other channels to solicit feedbacks from 
commuters.  
 
E. Right to Information 
 
Sec. 10. Right to Information for Efficient and Convenient Travel. – 
The State must provide timely and adequate information so that commuters are 
able to make good travel plans and choices about modes and routes.  Information 
on all public transport services, including route maps, fares, schedules, and real 
time vehicle location and availability shall be accessible and prominently 
displayed at all stops of public transport services and at other location deemed 
necessary or beneficial to commuters.  
 
Technical standards and regulations shall be established for the display of 
street maps at strategic locations in each neighborhood, for the reference of 
residents and visitors.  A twenty-four (24) hour information and assistance 
counter shall be available at all ports, airports, and terminals to serve the needs 
of commuters.  
 
CHAPTER III 
INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS 
 
Sec. 11. Office of Commuter Affairs. – An Office of Commuter 
Affairs shall be established in the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It 
shall have the following functions and responsibilities:  
a) Coordinate with other implementing agencies as well as law 
enforcement agencies in charge of the road, rail, air and maritime 
transportation to ensure the full implementation of this Act;  
b) Operate help desks for the riding public;  
c) Establish a common commuter hotline number;  


 
d) Assist the commuters whenever the safety, security and efficiency of 
travel is compromised;  
e) Undertake massive commuter education programs on the rights and 
responsibilities of the travelling public;  
f) Provide legal assistance for commuters when the need arises; and  
g) Ensure adequate representation of commuters in any public 
consultation that will impact on the welfare and interest of commuters;  
 
The Secretary of DOTr shall determine the manpower requirement and 
staffing pattern of the Office of Commuter Affairs subject to the approval of the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM).  
 
Sec. 12. Office of the National Transport Data and Planning Center. – 
There shall be established a National Transport Data and Planning Center 
(NTDPC) under the DOTr.  It shall be primarily responsible for the collection and 
processing of mobility date which can be used for evidence-based transport 
policy research and planning.  
 
The data collected and processed by NTDPC which shall include road 
crashes, air pollution levels, and public transport routes and travel time 
information, among others, shall be open and be made available to the public in 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy 
Act of 2012.  
 
The Secretary of DOTr shall determine the manpower requirement and 
staffing pattern of the NTDPC subject to the approval of the DBM.  
 
Sec. 13. The National Sustainable Trasport Action Plan. – The DOTr 
and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), 
in coordination with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the 
Department of  Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST), and the Department of Interior and Local Government 
(DILG), in consultation with the commuter and transport groups, metropolitan 
area authorities, local government units, and the members of the academe, shall 
prepare a National Sustainable Transport Action Plan (NSTAP) to provide a 
roadmap for safe, efficient, convenient, accessible, inclusive and sustainable 
transportation and mobility in the country.  
 
The NSTAP shall include strategies towards transit-oriented development, 
the diversification of transportation and mobility options, including means of active 
transport, and the integration thereof, and the development of clean 
transportation infrastructure at the national and local levels.  The aforementioned 
agencies shall conduct scientific studies and research, genuine and adequate 


 
consultations with all stakeholders, especially commuter and transport groups, to 
determine their varying demands on public transportation, the social, economic 
and environmental impact of current and proposed public transportation systems, 
as well as the need for social protection and safety nets of vulnerable and 
marginalized sectors and the use of information and communication technology 
to reduce and manage travel demands of the public.   
 
The NSTAP shall guide the integration of sustainable and integrated 
transport planning in the preparation and updating of Annual Development Plan, 
Annual Investment Plans, Physical Framework Plans, Development Masterplans, 
Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
Plans, and similar plans of the LGUs.  The DOTr and DHSUD, in coordination 
with NEDA, DPWH, and DILG, shall capacitate and provide technical assistance 
to LGUs in the harmonization of the aforementioned plans with the NSTAP.  
 
CHAPTER IV 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
Sec. 14. Nationwide Public Information Campaign. – The DOTr and its 
attached agencies, in coordination with the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT, DILG, and the Philippine Information 
Agency (PIA), and commuter and transport groups, shall undertake a nationwide 
information, education and communication campaign, utilizing all forms of media, 
for the attainment of the objectives of this Act.  
 
Sec. 15. Penal Provisions. – Any person or public officer who acts in 
violation of the provisions of this Act or refuses to perform the obligations 
mandated under this Act shall suffer criminal, civil and administrative penalties 
imposed by applicable provisions of existing laws, rules and regulations.  
 
Sec. 16. Appropriations. – The DOTr, DPWH, DHSUD, and other 
concerned agencies, shall include in their respective programs the needed 
operational and institutional requirements in implementing the provisions of this 
Act, the initial funding of which shall be charged against their current 
appropriations.  Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.  
 
Said agencies shall accordingly pursue alternative resource mobilization 
strategies, including, but not limited to, public-private partnership and land value 
capture, to leverage public resources and maximize their value to finance the 
physical requirements in carrying out the provisions of this Act.  
 
Sec. 17. Implementing Agencies. – The DOTr, DPWH, DILG, MMDA, 
DENR and concerned LGUs, in the exercise of tier existing powers and functions, 


 
shall implement the provisions of this Act, and such responsibilities and duties as 
specifically herein provided and such as may be provided in its implementing 
rules and regulations.  
 
As the lead implementing agency, the DOTr shall be responsible for 
coordinating and monitoring all activities implemented under this Act. It shall 
ensure that:  
 
a) The core concepts of this framework are integrated in the annual 
government budget process;  
b) Compliance with the provisions of this Act is included in the annual 
performance targets of all relevant national and local government 
agencies; and  
c) Relevant technical standards, guidelines, and manuals of national and 
local agencies are amended to incorporate all requirements under this 
Act.  
 
Sec. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within six (6) months from 
the effectivity of this Act, the DOTr, in coordination with other implementing agencies 
and in consultation with all stakeholders, shall prepare the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.   
 
 
Sec. 19. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, rules and regulations, orders, 
circulars, and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.  
 
Sec. 20. Separability Clause. – If for any reason any section or provision of 
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.  
 
Sec. 21. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation in the Philippines.  
 
Approved,