SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
UEC 11 
I) 2 :7.9 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2016 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to restore, rehabilitate and extend the existing lines of the 
Philippines National Railways (PNR). 
In most of the world economic powers, transportation has played a vital role in 
their economic development. The existence of a viable and efficient mass transport 
system is a manifestation of the government's commitment towards the desired 
economic development. 
The Philippines believes in this example, and as such, it has adopted measures 
geared towards the establishment of a mass transport system. The Philippine National 
Railway was created in 1964. In 1971, the capitalization of the PNR was increased with 
the end in view of extending its coverage. However, due to the convergence of various 
reasons, the expansion was not realized. Its existing lines deteriorated and the PNR 
incurred irreversible losses. 
Over the years, the efficiency and coverage of our railroad system were further 
reduced due to neglect, damage from natural calamities, and problems with informal 
settlers. In 2007, the government initiated a rehabilitation project by removing informal 
settlers from the PNR right-of way, revitalizing commuter services in Metro Manila, and 
restoring the Manila-Bicol and Northern Luzon route. It was however, challenged by 
various problems, including issues of anomalous transactions with foreign financiers. In 
2009, the completion of all the tracks in the Manila metropolitan area was completed 
and PNR launched its diesel multiple units (DMU) newly acquired fro.m South Korea. In 
2011, efforts for total reconstruction· of rail bridges and tracks and the refurbishing of 
stations continued. 
Today, the need to restore, rehabilitate and modernize our public transport 
system has become more necessary for development. 
It is for these reasons that the enactment of thus bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
·13 
DEC 11 
P 2 :29 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2016 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
RESTORING, REHABILITATING AND MODERNIZING THE OLD AND EXISTING 
LINES OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL RAILWAYS (PNR), EXTENDING THESE 
LINES FURTHER AS PROVIDED l!NDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6366, TO PROVIDE 
A VIABLE PUBLIC RAILWAY TRANSPORT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
NECESSARY THEREFOR 
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 "Philippine Railways 
Modernization Act of 2013". 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - it is hereby adopted the policy of state to 
promote industrialization by providing the necessary infrastructure that shall optimize 
the opportunity of development in various regions of the country. 
SEC 3. Restoration, Rehabilitation and Extension of RailWays. - The existing 
lines of the Philippines National Railway (PNR) are hereby restored and rehabilitated. 
These existing shall be further extended as originally provided under Republic Act No. 
6366. 
SEC 4. Appropriation. -
The necessary as equity of the Republic of the 
Philippine for the use Official Development Assistance (ODA) is hereby appropriated 
from the unappropriated fund of the National Treasury. 
SEC 5. Implementing Rules. -
The Secretary of the Transportation and 
Communication shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper 
implementation of this Act. 
SEC 6. Effectivity - this Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation 
Approved,