TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL -3 P4 :28
Ri'i-cr
,SENATE 
S. No. 84
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF COMMUTERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Public transportation plays a crucial role in the iives of millions of Filipinos. It 
enables access to essential destinations such as work, school, and hospitals. Although its 
role is of great importance, reliability, safety, and comfort remains to be recurring issues 
in the daily experience of the average Filipino commuter. These challenges in public 
transportation extend beyond the transit itself and include accessibility, frequency, 
waiting time, and the poor conditions that commuters must endure.
In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to an 
adequate standard of living supports the development of improved public transportation 
systems, which are vital for access to education, employment, healthcare, the economy, 
and various other social services. Similarly, in the 1987 Constitution, it states in Article II, 
Section 9 "The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the 
prosperity and independence of the nation and free the peopie from poverty through 
policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard 
of living, and an improved quality of life for all." In line with these constitutional and 
international commitments, mobiiity must be recognized as a basic human need and a 
key component of the right to an adequate standard of living. Mobility is not a privilege, 
but a right that must be enjoyed by all, regardless of age, ability, gender, or economic 
status.


It is apparent that there is a growing number in the population of Filipino 
commuters. In a study released in 2020, more than 8.95 million commuters ride the 
traditional jeepneys per day.1 According to the Special Action and Intelligence Committee 
for Transportation (SAICT), 10,392,433 passengers used the EDSA busway from January 
1 to February 28, 2025,2 representing a 34% increase from the 7,753,608 passengers 
recorded during the same period in 2024. Alongside this growth is an increasing demand 
for improvements not only in the availability of public transport services but also the 
quality of said services, in a sense that promotes inclusivity and equality for all public 
transportation users.
Towards this end, we are led to put forward a framework that defines and upholds 
the rights of commuters, ensuring the provision of sufficient public transport services; 
access to all, including persons with disabilities; safe and comfortable waiting conditions; 
and reliable and cost-effective modes of transportation. The purpose of this bill is not 
only to improve the overall experience of the commuters but also to bridge the gap in 
opportunities by codifying commuter rights into law and realigning transportation policies 
around the needs of the riding public.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill Is earnestly sought.
FFYT. TULFO
1 https://www.philstar.eom/headlines/2024/05/03/2352342/10000-ieeDnevs-be-taken-road-commuters-
fear-undersuDDiv-public-transpo
2 https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/03/09/2427011/over-10-million-commuters-use-edsa-busway


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S. No.
SENATE
84
25 JUL -3 P4 :28
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF COMMUTERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress asserribled:
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of
2 
Commuterd'
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. -The State recognizes mobility as a basic human
4 
need and a key component of the right to an adequate standard of living. Without
5 
mobility, citizens are unable to access basic services such as education, employment, and
6 
healthcare, or enjoy fundamental freedoms.
7 
The State further recognizes the right of commuters to travel safely, conveniently,
8 
and reliably. Mobility is not a privilege; the State shall ensure that it is enjoyed by people
9 
of all ages, abilities, gender, and economic status. The welfare of the commuting public
10 
shall take precedence over the interests of the transportation industry, private vehicle
11 
users, and other stakeholders.
12 
The State also guarantees the right of all citizens to participate in the formulation,
13 
planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation of all institutions.


1 
programs, projects, and services related to upholding the rights of commuters. To uphold
2 
this right, the State shall develop and establish mobility infrastructures and transportation
3 
services aimed at promoting the welfare of commuters and improving their mobility. The
4 
welfare of the commuter shall be the paramount objective.
5 
To attain the foregoing policy, the State shall provide the necessary mechanisms,
6 
human and financial resources, and legal measures to enable its citizens to fully enjoy
7 
the rights embodied in this Act.
8 
CHAPTER II
9 
DEFINITION OF TERMS
10 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes in this Act, the following terms shall
11 
mean:
12 
a) Active transport refers to non-motorized means of travel, including walking
13 
or using a bicycle;
14 
b) Activity Center refers to a place in a city or municipality where people gather
15 
regularly for work, worship, education, social events, trade, exercise, leisure,
16 
or other common interests and purposes;
17 
c) Advance Notice refers to the provision of early information regarding any
18 
consultations with stakeholders, for which the period from the announcement
19 
or delivery of the invitation to the consultation event will be a minimum of
20 
ten (10) working days;
21 
d) Commuter refers to a person that needs to travel from one place to another,
22 
often using a combination of transportation modes to get to their destination;
23 
e) Greenway refers to a road, street, or path with ample greenery and shade
24 
where private motorized transport is not allowed to welcome and encourage
25 
environmentally sustainable transportation modes, especially walking and
26 
cycling;
27 
f) High-Voiume Transport Corridor refers to walkways, paths, roads, bridges,
28 
streets, or mass transportation terminals where the flow of people is at least
29 
2,000 persons per hour per direction during peak travel periods;


1 
g) Mobility refers to the ability of a person to travel from one place to another
2 
to conduct daily and extraordinary activities and business;
3 
h) Mobility Infrastructure refers to physical facilities, such as foot paths, bicycle
4 
lanes, roads, public utility vehicle (PUV) loading and unloading bays, PUV
5 
terminals, and public transport systems that support and enhance a person's
6 
mobility;
7 
i) Private Motorized Transport refers to motorized vehicles weighing more than
8 
100 kilograms; and
9 
j) Public Transport refers to public sector and franchised private sector services
10 
that transport people over land or water, including 
jeepneys, UV Express,
11 
buses, minibuses, railways, ferries, taxis, and tricycles.
12 
CHAPTER III
13 
RIGHTS OF COMMUTERS
14 
Sec. 4. Right to Public Transportation Services that Meet Commuters' Mobility
15 
Requirements. -The State shall ensure that adequate public transportation services are
16 
available to meet the needs of its citizens. Public transportation services and
17 
infrastructure plans and programs should be prepared and updated on an annual basis
18 
in order to satisfy the evolving mobility requirements in our communities, especially in
19 
urban areas.
20 
It will be the responsibility of metropolitan authorities and local government units
21 
to measure, analyze, and update the mobility requirements in each locality and to develop
22 
plans and programs to address the mobility requirements of their citizens.
23 
The State shall ensure that:
24 
a) Every town and municipality will have a community-wide network of safe
25 
sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and roads to enable travel around the city entirely by
26 
foot, bicycle, or by other forms of light mobility;
27 
b) Public Transport services are available within a 500-meter walk from any
28 
residence or Activity Center in a city;
29 
c) Public Transport services are connected to another public service within a 300-
30 
meter walk to promote seamless connectivity;


1 
d) Public Transport services are in sufficient quantity and frequency so that
2 
commuter waiting time at stops and terminals do not exceed 10 minutes during
3 
peak demand periods;
4 
e) Public Transport is accorded priority in the use of road space and traffic signal
5 
operation so that it is able to traverse 15 kilometers within 1 hour, including
6 
all scheduled stops;
7 
f) Public Transport services are supported by properly equipped, adequately-
8 
sized and well-maintained terminals and stops, with attention to the safety and
9 
comfort of commuters;
10 
g) Every road with a speed limit of over 20 kilometers per hour (kph) and under
11 
60 kph shall feature dedicated pedestrian infrastructure, in the form of and
12 
unobstructed walking path of at least 2.5 meters wide in each direction; and
13 
h) Every road with a speed limit of under 60 kph shall feature dedicated bike
14 
lanes which are wide enough to comfortably accommodate at least two (2)
15 
bikes side by side .
16 
The State Shall ensure that Transport Services are inclusive, so that they are
17 
accessible to persons of all ages and abilities. Public Transport infrastructure and vehicles
18 
shall be designed and implemented so that persons with disabilities or special needs are
19 
not excluded from their use.
20 
The State shall ensure that in all renovations of existing infrastructure or
21 
construction of new infrastructure, preserving or improving the travel time impact on
22 
Public Transport, bicycles, and pedestrians shall be prioritized over preserving or
23 
improving travel time impact on private motorized transport. The State shall generally
24 
avoid the implementation of projects that produce a positive impact on the travel time of
25 
users of private motorized modes at large expense to Public Transport, bicycles, and
26 
pedestrians.
27 
Sec. 5. Right to Safe, Convenient, and Affordable Pubiic Transport Services. -The
28 
State shall ensure that Public Transport services are safe, dignified, convenient,
29 
comfortable, and reliable while remaining affordable to the general public.


1 
Concessional or discounted fares shall be offered for disadvantaged or special
2 
groups, such as students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. The State shall
3 
provide subsidies to compensate for discounts offered to special or disadvantaged groups
4 
other than the incentives provided under existing laws.
5 
The State shall also reward the use of Public Transport through financial and non-
6 
financial incentives to promote the frequent use of Public Transport. The State shall
7 
ensure that it is more economical for commuters to use Active Transport or Public
8 
Transport than to use private motorized transport.
9 
During periods when transportation services are deficient, the State shall employ
10 
alternative approaches for enabling additional mobility options for its citizens, including
11 
through the use of public resources to fill temporary gaps in services, such as through
12 
government-owned vehicles or through the government charter or lease of private
13 
vehicles.
14 
The State shall promote safe and efficient driving behavior by Public Transport
15 
drivers through mandatory trainings and more stringent licensing. All Public Transport
16 
vehicles will be required to install electronic vehicle tracking devices and Closed-circuit
17 
televisions that will enable concerned authorities to conduct real-time monitoring of
18 
vehicle location, vehicle speed, and driver status. Dangerous on-street competition and
19 
behavior among Public Transport drivers shall be eliminated through the removal of any
20 
incentive for drivers that is related to ridership or fare revenue. Streets must be designed
21 
in accordance with international best practices in road safety design to reduce the
22 
occurrence of dangerous driving behavior.
23 
Sec. 6. Right to Infrastructure for Pedestrians, Cyciists, and Persons with
24 
Disabiiities. - The State shall accord priority to the development of adequate sidewalk
25 
sand networks of bicycle lanes that encourage Active Transport and that provide safe and
26 
direct access to priority destinations such as housing, education, and business centers,
27 
as well as Public Transport nodes.
28 
The State shall ensure that all Public Transport stops are accessible to persons
29 
with disabilities and impaired movement. The State shall ensure that ease of access by


1 
pedestrians especially at Public Transport stops and government facilities is prioritized
2 
over mobility of private motorized transport.
3 
The State shall ensure that safe and adequate walking and cycling infrastructure
4 
is incorporated in the design and implementation of road transport projects at national
5 
and local government levels. The State shall ensure that the Comprehensive Land Use
6 
Plan of every city and municipality includes the development of a city- or municipality-
7 
wide network of safe sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and road lanes to enable travel around the
8 
city entirely by foot, bicycle, or by other forms of light mobility.
9 
The State shall ensure that travel by walking or cycling is no less direct to
10 
destinations than travel by private motorized transport. No commuter shall be made to
11 
travel above or below street level to cross any street or intersection if it is possible to
12 
implement an at-grade crossing. No commuter, when traveling or walking or cycling, shall
13 
be made to diverge from his or her route of travel if a commuter traveling by private
14 
motorized vehicle would have enjoyed a more direct trip.
15 
In cities and municipalities, the State shall ensure that the infrastructure of each
16 
barangay includes:
17 
a) Safe foot paths or sidewalks, free of obstruction, well-protected from
18 
automobiles, compliant with universal design guidelines, and accessible to
19 
pregnant women, elderly, and persons with strollers or wheel chairs; networks
20 
of greenways to encourage active transport modes (walking and cycling);
21 
b) Proper lighting on all roads and footpaths to allow safe travel even after dark;
22 
c) Tactile paving on sidewalks of high-volume transport corridors for the benefit
23 
of pedestrians who are visually-impaired;
24 
d) Bicycle racks in every transportation hub or terminal and in every commercial,
25 
community, and activity center; and
26 
e) Safe intersections and pedestrian crossings such as provision of raised
27 
pedestrian platforms, highly visible advance warning signages, adequate
28 
streetlighting, mid-crossing refuges, traffic calming for motorized vehicles and
29 
curb outstands to reduce road pavement crossing width.


1 
The State shall not require parking for cars to be built in any buildings, and shall
2 
encourage commercial development and the built environment to accommodate non-car
3 
travel. The State promote light mobility by requiring that buildings provide bicycle racks
4 
that can accommodate ten percent (10%) of the anticipated users of any building.
5 
The State shall adopt the Vision Zero in road safety and ensure that road crashes
6 
are eliminated particularly those of vulnerable road users. The State shall implement
7 
comprehensive road safety program and will allocate funding to implement activities
8 
under the five pillars of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan, namely: Road Safety
9 
Management, Safer Roads, Safer Vehicles, Safer Road Users, and Post-Crash Response.
10 
The State shall also create a National Road Safety Unit under the Department of
11 
Transportation (DOTr) and shall also implement a national road crash database for
12 
effective road safety planning.
13 
Sec. 7. Right to a Fair Share of Pubiic Road Space. - The State shall ensure that
14 
public road space is used in a manner that delivers the greatest socio-economic benefit.
15 
The State shall ensure that the safety or road users, especially non-motorized and
16 
vulnerable users, shall be prioritized over the mobility of motorized modes of transport.
17 
The State shall employ treatments to the design, engineering, and operation of road
18 
infrastructure in order to achieve the goal of road safety and access for non-motorized
19 
and vulnerable users.
20 
Because roads are a scarce public asset, the State shall ensure that road space is
21 
prioritized for modes of travel, such as public transport, walking, cycling, that move more
22 
people and maximize the productivity and social benefit of the public asset. The planning
23 
and design of roads must prioritize the needs of private motor vehicles. Public Transport
24 
shall have priority use of road space over private motor vehicles.
25 
The State shall ensure that there will be no private appropriation of public road
26 
space and foot paths for parking, commerce, or other activities that will restrict public
27 
use of, or access to, the road.
28 
Sec. 8. Right to Breathe dean Air during Travei. -The State shall take measures
29 
to ensure that commuters are able to travel using Public Transport or Active Transport
30 
without compromising their health.


1 
The State shall ensure that all Public Transport vehicles comply with the emission
2 
standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
3 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and/or the Land Transportation Franchising and
4 
Regulatory Board (LTFRB), whichever is more stringent.
5 
The State shall provide programs which reduce the volume of motorized vehicles
6 
to reduce vehicle-related pollution emissions. The State shall also provide facilities and
7 
programs which support and incentivize the use of cleaner alternative fuels. Recognizing
8 
that non-exhaust emissions make up a significant portion of total pollutant emissions and
9 
that the levels of such emissions are dependent on vehicle weight, the State shall provide
10 
programs that encourage the reduction of average vehicle weight and encourage citizens
11 
to commute using cycling or other lighter vehicles.
12 
The State shall measure air quality along the major transport corridors in all cities
13 
and municipalities and provide this information to the public in real time. When air quality
14 
exceeds safe levels according to internationally-accepted standards ,particularly from the
15 
World Health Organization, the State shall activate emergency procedures with the aim
16 
of reducing the exposure of the public, especially the young and the elderly, to unclean
17 
air.
18 
Sec. 9. Right to Information for Efficient and Convenient Travel. -The State shall
19 
provide timely and adequate information so that commuters are able to makegood travel
20 
plans and choices about modes and routes. The State shall make publicly available
21 
information on all Public Transport services, including route maps, fares, schedules, and
22 
real time vehicle location and availability, for the convenience of commuters. The State
23 
shall ensure that such information is prominently displayed at all stops of public transport
24 
services and at other locations deemed necessary or beneficial to commuters.
25 
The State shall establish technical standards and regulation for the display of street
26 
maps at strategic locations in each neighborhood, for the reference of residents and
27 
visitors.
28 
The State shall ensure that, at all ports and terminals, a 24-hour information or
29 
assistance counter will be available to serve the needs of travelers.


1 
The State shall establish a National Transport Data and Planning Center (NTDPC)
2 
which will collect and process the mobility data for evidence-based transport planning
3 
which can quickly adapt to the evolving mobility requirements in our communities. The
4 
NTDPC shall ensure that data in aid of policy and research on mobility be open and
5 
available to the public. The data shall include reliable and accurate road crash data, air
6 
pollution levels, public transport routes, and travel time information, among others.
7 
Sec. 10, Right to Special Attention during Service Breakdowns and to
8 
Compensation for Deficiencies in Service. - The State shall ensure that in case of a
9 
breakdown in a Public Transport service, passengers shall be entitled to receive from the
10 
transport operator a full refund of the fare and assistance in securing onward journeys.
11 
Any student or employee should not be penalized for arriving late by their school
12 
or employer if the reason for their tardiness was a disruption in a Public Transport service.
13 
Sec. 11. Right to Representation and Participation. -The State shall ensure that
14 
the welfare and interest of commuters are considered in all decision-making related to
15 
mobility and transportation services. To this end, commuters have a right to advance
16 
notice and information on any proposed policy, regulation, project, or service at local or
17 
national level that affect their mobility, including full details on how they will be affected
18 
by the proposed initiative. Affected commuters have a right to provide their comments
19 
and suggestions of the proposed initiative. Affected commuters must receive a response
20 
to such comments from the concerned public official within twenty (20) working days.
21 
If a public consultation will be held regarding any initiative affecting the mobility
22 
of commuters, the consultation meeting shall be held at any time, even on a weekend or
23 
after office hours, and at a convenient and accessible venue that will maximize the
24 
participation and feedback from affected commuters. In parallel, commuter feedback
25 
shall be solicited through social media and other channels for information exchange.
26 
CHAPTER IV
27 
INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS
28 
Sec. 12. Establishment of the Office of Commuter Affairs. - An Office of Commuter
29 
Affairs shall be established at the DOTr at the national level, as well as in all city and
30 
municipal government units. The Office of Commuter Affairs shall be under the direct


1 
supervision of an Assistant Secretary at the national level, and a city or municipal
2 
administrator at the local level.
3 
Sec. 13. Functions and Responsibilities of the Office of Commuter Affairs. -The
4 
Office of Commuter Affairs shall be tasked to perform the following functions and
5 
responsibilities:
6 
a) Coordinate with the respective government agencies dealing with
7 
transportation policy to ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable travel of
8 
commuters;
9 
b) Operate Help Desks for the riding public;
10 
c) Assist commuters whenever the safety and efficiency of travel is compromised;
11 
d) Undertake massive commuter education programs for the travelling public to
12 
know their rights and responsibilities;
13 
e) Ensure legal assistance for commuters, when necessary; and
14 
f) Ensure adequate representation of commuters in any public consultation that
15 
will impact on the welfare and interest of commuters.
16 
Sec. 14. Pena! Provisions. - Any person or government agency who has been
17 
found to have violated any of the provisions of this Act shall be fined not less than Two
18 
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos
19 
(P500,000.00).
20 
If the offender is a public official, they shall be dismissed from government service,
21 
in addition to the penalties above stated.
22 
Sec. 15. Implementing Agencies. - The DOTr, the Department of Public Works
23 
and Highways, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Metropolitan Manila
24 
Development Authority, DENR, DTI, and concerned LGUs shall be the implementing
25 
agencies for this Act, with DOTr as the lead implementing agency with responsibility for
26 
coordinating and monitoring all implementation activities.
27 
The State shall ensure that the core concepts of this framework is integrated in
28 
the annual government budget process. The State shall ensure that compliance with the
29 
provisions of this Act are included in the annual performance targets of all relevant
30 
agencies.
10


1 
The State shall ensure that the Implementing Agencies will annually be allocated
2 
budget to strengthen organizational capacities and to sufficiently fund the establishment
3 
and operations of the NTDPC, the Offices of Commuter Affairs, and other related offices.
4 
The State shall ensure that relevant technical standards, guidelines, and manuals of
5 
national and local agencies are amended to incorporate all requirement under this Act.
6 
Sec. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred and eighty
7 
(180) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOTr and other implementing agencies
8 
will prepare the IRR of this Act, with the participation of non-government organizations,
9 
civil society organizations, and academic institutions that champion the welfare of
10 
commuters, when applicable.
11 
Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared
12 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
13 
Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
14 
other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
15 
amended, or modified accordingly.
16 
Sec. 19. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
17 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
11