REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 40 16

Introduced by Representative ESTRELLITA “GING” B. SUANSING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Public transportation is the preferred mode of transportation of
Filipinos. It is cheap, fast and more practical, compared against the cost of
maintaining a private vehicle and paying for the excessive fuel costs
nowadays. Among the public transportation available, the taxi cab is a fast
and convenient way of travelling, albeit the most expensive one. Taxis are
mostly in demand during holiday season, rainy season, and during late
nights wherein other modes of public transportation are not available.

Who is not familiar with this scene: during rush hour in the metro, a
commuter hails a cab, gets inside only to come out looking perplexed,
disappointed, or most of the time, angry? Or during a downpour, the
commuter hails a cab, opens the door, only to slam it a few seconds after?
Many have experienced these abuses by the “choosy” driver.

What about this: finally getting a taxi driver agree to transport the
commuter to the stated destination only to be told in a cajoling tone of voice:
“Boss/Ma'am, dagdagan n’yo na lang ho ng singkwenta... trapik
kasi/malayo kasi/delikado po kasi doon.” How about being told outright of
his “contract” to make him the commuter to the conveyed destination? At
one time or another, we or someone we know have been victimized by these

practices of taxi drivers.


The abovementioned scenarios are rampant practices and should be
stopped. It is worrisome and even scary to think that our fellow Filipinos are
subject to the whims and unprofessionalism of our taxi drivers. Not only
that but these abuses and practices tarnish the reputation of Filipinos to

foreigners who have also been victims of said misconducts.

This proposed measure enumerates the rights of the taxi passenger
and provides penalties for the taxi driver who will violate its provisions. This
bill aims to protect our commuting public, foreign or national, tourist or
local, from the unprofessional and discourteous conduct of some taxi
drivers. It also hopes to lift up the image of the taxi industry by establishing
standards addressing the basic rights of the passenger.

In view of the foregoing, early approval of this bill is solemnly

requested.

ESTRELLITA “Ging” B// SUANSING
1 District, Nuev@ Ecija

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON cITY

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

4016

HOUSE BILL NO. __ =

Introduced by Representative ESTRELLITA “GING” B, SUANSING

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE RIGHTS OF TAXI PASSENGERS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress be assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Taxi Passenger Bill of

Rights Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to establish a world

class public transportation system. To this end, the State shall establish

transportation service standards that shall address the basic rights of the

passengers as may be provided by law.

SEC. 3. Rights of Taxi Passengers. - Taxi passengers shall have the right to:

A.
B,

A licensed driver;
A properly dressed and courteous driver, who provides assistance, if
requested;

A driver who is not under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous
drugs;

See the driver's identification card, which shall state clearly the
driver's name and the taxi operator's name, the place of business,
contact numbers, and shall contain a picture of the driver. Copies of
such identification card shall be displayed prominently inside the taxi;
See the plate number of the taxi and emergency numbers for
assistance by the Philippine National Police (PNP) prominently

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displayed on the side doors and other conspicuous places within the
taxi;

F. Be picked up and transported to their stated destination, regardless of
trip length, by any available on duty taxi driver, subject to applicable
traffic regulations;

G. Direct the route, or expect the most economical route;

H. A fare meter duly calibrated and sealed by the proper authorities;

I. See the fare meter;

J. Pay the rate exactly as posted in the meter, subject to other
government sanctioned fees;

K. Be given the exact amount of change;

L. A printed detailed receipt;

M. A taxi that is clean, smoke-free, and in good repair;

N. Travel with an assistance animal or portable mobility aid;

. Refuse multiple hiring;

P. A quiet/silent trip, upon request;

Q. Have the air conditioning on or off; and

R. 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.

SEC. 4, Taxi Passengers’ Rights Notification. - The taxi passengers’ rights as
enumerated in Section 3 of this Act shall be prominently displayed inside the taxi
cab. Such notification shall also contain a brief description of the procedure on how
to file a complaint for violation of any of the rights enumerated, as well as, the
necessary contact information provided by the Land Transportation and
Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to handle such complaints.

SEC. 5. Period of Implementation. - The LTFRB shall be the agency primarily
responsible in the enforcement and implementation of this Act. Within sixty (60)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the LTFRB shall formulate and issue the
necessary implementing rules and regulations and shall mobilize available
resources to assure the effective implementation of this Act.

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SEC. 6. Penalties and Fines. - In the enforcement of this Act, the LTFRB shall
impose fines against drivers and operators, solidarily, for violation of this Act.

The following shall be the basis in defining the fine and penalty provisions of
the implementing rules and regulations to be promulgated pursuant to Section 11
hereof, provided that six (6) months grace period shall be allowed to lapse to
conduct a nationwide information campaign.

A. For failure to observe any of the rights enumerated in Section 3, the

following shall be imposed:

a. A minimum fine of Five hundred pesos (Php500) but not to exceed
‘Two thousand pesos (Php2,000) for the first violation;

b. A minimum fine of One thousand pesos (Php1,000) but not to
exceed Five thousand pesos (PhpS,000) for the second violation;
and

c. A minimum fine of Three thousand pesos (Php3,000) but not to
exceed Ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000) and suspension of driver's
license and/or the Certificate of Public Convenience for a period of
one (1) week for the third and succeeding violations;

B. For non-compliance on the requirement under Section 4, a minimum fine
of One thousand pesos (Php 1,000) but not to exceed Five thousand pesos
(Php5,000) for every violation.

SEC. 7. Nationwide Public Information Campaign. —

A, The LTFRB, in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA),
the Department of Education, and private agencies and organizations,
shall undertake a nationwide information, education and communication
(IEC) campaign for the attainment of the objectives of this Act.

B, The LTFRB, in coordination with the local government units, shall
likewise utilize the services of citizen groups and community
organizations for the promotion of public safety awareness in observance
of this Act.

C. The fines that will be collected for the enforcement of this Act shall be
used exclusively for the implementation of the provisions of this Act,
including the necessary information campaigns.

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SEC. 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. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for its full
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act as a
distinct and separate item.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected

shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential 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, amended or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,