SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

3806

House Bill No. _“~

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the last fifteen years, we have seen the gradual worsening of the traffic congestion in
Metro Manila. Unfortunately, traffic planners under the past administration have failed to
adequately address this problem.

Consequently, we are now faced with a scenario where employees in the public and
private sectors, businessmen and students are not able to reach their destinations on time. The
traffic problem has also prevented the delivery of goods and services in a time period that does
not require excess costs. It is in this manner that the traffic problem being encountered by the
country contributes to the ever-increasing price of goods and services.

It cannot be denied that the present traffic mess has affected the productivity of
otherwise productive individuals to a great extent. The unproductive time spent by many in
commuting has not only affected their personal advancement in their careers or professions but
also the economic growth of the country in general.

In view of the adverse effects of the traffic congestion in the metropolis, it behooves the
government to address the problem more seriously. It is also imperative on the part of the
private sector to contribute their share in the resolution of this problem.

The bill seeks to elicit the support of the private sector, specifically of the resident of
subdivisions and villages situated within Metro Manila in, at least, minimizing the traffic problem,

Furthermore, in response to the desire to ease the traffic situation in the metropolis, this
bill ikewise endeavors to provide alternative routes or access to main thoroughfares by opening
subdivision roads to the public for vehicular traffic.

In view of the foregoing considerations early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Zl,
IAXII . RODRIG#EZ, JR.


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House BillNo. _ 3806

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE OPENING OF SUBDIVISION ROADS TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR
ALTERNATIVE ACCESS TO MAIN THOROUGHFARES ACCESS AND TO ADJACENT
SUBDIVISIONS OR ANY GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 957, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS “THE SUBDIVISION AND CONDOMINIUM BUYERS PROTECTIVE DECREE”

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

SECTION 1. Applicability. This Act shall apply to all housing subdivisions and villages
situated within Metro Manila

SEC. 2. Use of Subdivision Roads. Notwithstanding any provision of law, rules and
regulations to the contrary, whenever necessary and possible as determined by the Department
of Public Works and Highways, a subdivision or village situated within metro Manila shall open
for public use at least one road within its boundaries to vehicular traffic: Provided that, the use of
said subdivision or village roads shall be limited to vehicles with a gross vehicular weight of up
to 4,500 kgs.

SEC. 3. Selection of the Access Roads. The Homeowners Association of @
‘subdivision or village or in default thereof, the Department of Public Works and Highways, shall
‘select and designate the road to be opened pursuant to the provisions of this Act taking into
consideration the best alternative access to the residents of the said subdivision or village.

SEC. 4. Prior Notice. The Department of Public Works and Highways shall determine
and identify the subdivisions or villages which must open, at least, one of the roads thereof
Pursuant to the provisions of this Act. It shall also notify the affected Homeowners Association
or in default thereof, the residents of the said subdivisions or villages of its decision, at least,
thirty (30) days before the opening of the said roads to the public.

SEC. 5. Collection of Reasonable Fees. A subdivision which has opened a road for
public use shall be allowed to collect a reasonable fee which shall not exceed Five Pesos
(P5.00) from every vehicle passing through said road. It may also collect an annual fee which
shall not exceed Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) from every motorist using its access roads.
Such fees shall be used to defray the cost of maintaining the subdivision or village roads
opened to the public for vehicular use as well as the cost of employing additional security
personnel to man the said roads.


SEC. 6. Section 28 of Presidential Decree No. 957 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

"SEC. 28. Access to ADJACENT SUBDIVISIONS OR PUBLIC Offices [in the
Subdivision). — No owner or developer shall deny any person free access to ADJACENT
SUBDIVISION OR any government office or public establishment located within the
subdivision or which may be reached only by passing through the subdivision. FOR
THIS PURPOSE, THE OWNER OR DEVELOPER SHALL DESIGNATE A ROAD FOR
PUBLIC USE WITHIN THE SUBDIVISION OR GOVERNMENT OFFICE OR PUBLIC
ESTABLISHMENT.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Public Works and
Highways shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of effectivity of this Act, promulgate the
appropriate rules and regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. Any provision of law, decree, order or rules and regulations
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication either in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,