Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo. 3681 __

Introduced by Honorable Sherwin T. Gatchalian

Explanatory Note

“A common carrier is bound to carry the passengers safely as far
as human care and foresight can provide, using the utmost diligence of
very cautious persons, with a due regard for all the circumstances.”
(Article 1755 of the Civil Code)

We have seen countless videos and heard sordid stories of cab
drivers who are abusive, negligent and prey on unsuspecting passengers.
They pick passengers on their terms, refuse carriage for some
destinations, force you to pay an extra amount on top of the meter bill,
are discourteous and tricks most passengers on circuitous routes to earn
extra money. Most of the tourists who come to our country have fallen
victims to these enterprising cab drivers. This sad state of our
transportation system has been tolerated and ignored for lack of laws
that singly protect our commuting public. Most people are likewise
dismayed over the inadequacy of law enforcers who are responsive and
sympathetic to concerns of this nature.

In order to address this problem and prevent any more untoward
incidents of this nature to occur in the future, a passenger bill of rights
is hereby proposed to protect the commuting public from abusive,
itinerant and discourteous drivers and provide hereon,-a sanction for the
offenses they commit against the riding public,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3681

Introduced by Honorable Sherwin T. Gatchalian

An Act to Establish the Bill of Rights of Taxi Passengers

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Bill of
Rights of Taxi Passengers.”

SECTION 2, Declaration of 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.

SECTION 3. Rights of Taxi Passengers. - Every taxi passenger shall
have the right to:

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

A taxi meter calibrated and duly sealed by the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board;

View the metered fare and request a receipt;

Be given the exact amount of change;

Travel with a service animal and/or portable mobility aid;

. Request for a quiet/silent trip (no radio or conversation);

AGMm O30 O o>


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.

SECTION 4. Responsibilities of Taxi Drivers and Operators. - A taxi
driver/operator shall:

A. Display his/her Taxi Driver’s License in a manner that is clearly
visible to all passengers;

B. 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;

C. 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;

. Avoid violating any law or traffic regulation;

. Refrain from using a cell phone while in transit and carrying

passengers;

Provide a clean, safe and smoke-free taxi;

Protect the taxi passenger’s health or safety;

. Refrain from soliciting or requiring passengers to pay more than

the displayed meter fare;

. Know the major routes and destinations.

BR orm esp ou

SECTION 5. Filing of Complaints for Violation of 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.

The complaint instituted under the provisions of this Act shall be
without prejudice to the filing of a civil or criminal complaint for the
violation of any law and/or other existing local ordinance, whenever
applicable.

SECTION 6. Fines and Penalties. - Any taxi driver who willfully
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
(P10,000.00) and the suspension of the driver’s license and/or the
Certificate of Public Convenience for a period of one (1) week.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,