EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
S E N A T E
S. No. 944
Senate
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AUG 20 P 3 ••24
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
RECtiVaiBV;
AN ACT
ORDAINING THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF TAXI PASSENGERS
Explanatory Note
Article 1733 or Republic Act No. 386 or the Civil Code of the Philippines 
provides that "[ejommon carriers, from the nature of their business and for reasons 
of public poiicy, are bound to observe extraordinary diligence in the vigilance over 
the goods and for the safety of the passengers transported by them, according to all 
the circumstances of each case."
Article 1755 of the Civil Code of the Philippines also 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." As also contained in Article 1757 of the Civil 
Code, "[t]he responsibility of a common carrier for the safety of passengers... cannot 
be dispensed with or lessened by stipulation, by the posting of notices, by 
statements on tickets, or otherwise."
Several commuters have been hounded by unscrupulous taxi drivers 
especially in the metropolis. Incidents of overcharging, refusal of passengers, 
reckless driving, circuitous driving, meter tampering and in extreme cases, 
passengers were being sedated, raped and even killed are on the rise.


This proposed legislation is submitted to protect the rights of taxi passengers 
who pay their hard-earned money for commute. This measure also makes the Land 
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board as the proper venue in filing of 
complaints of taxi passengers.
Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
S E N A T E
S. No. 944
o( ti)r id>rtrrurj»
*19 
AUG 20 P3 :24
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
RECtlVi.O 3^
AN ACT
ORDAINING THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF TAXI PASSENGERS
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as "The Bill of Rights of 
Taxi Passengers".
Sec. 2. Declaration o f 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.
Sec. 3. Rights o f Taxi Passengers. -  Ever/ taxi passenger shall have the right
to:
Licensed driver;
A properly dressed and courteous driver who will provide assistance, if 
requested, at no extra cost;
A driver who is not under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs; 
Ride in a clean, safe and smoke-free taxi;
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;
h. View the metered fare and request a receipt;
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i. 
Be given the exact amount of change;
j. Travel with a service animal and/or portable mobility aid;
k. Request for a quiet/ silent trip (no radio conversation); and
l. 
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. Responsibilities o f Taxi Drivers and Operators. -  A taxi driver/operator
shall:
d.
e.
Display his/her taxi Driver's License in a manner that is clearly visible to all 
passengers;
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;
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; 
Be courteous, and render assistance to the passenger, if requested;
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.
Sec. 5. Filing o f Complaints for Violation o f 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.


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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.
Sec. 6. Fines and penalties. -  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.
Sec. 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.
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 (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.
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. -  If any provision or part of this act is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions 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


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to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or 
amended accordingly.
Sec. 11. Effectivity Clause. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved.