Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5813.

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. MANUEL F. ZUBIRI

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The state of transportation in the Philippines today—specifically in Metro Manila—is degrading
for our commuters. Here and in the provinces, commuting by bus to get from one point to another
is uncomfortable for the commuting public. Our brothers and sisters are cramped and made to
stand in an already fully packed bus or coach just to get a ride to their destination. Worse, buses
that ply our roads collect as many passengers as they could without regard to risk of any accident
in the process and equally unmindful if they stall traffic. To make things worse, buses do not have
their own well-planned stops.

While there is a Premium Point-to-Point (P2P) bus service which do not allow standing passengers
and have limited designated stops, the fare being charged is—as the name implies—premium
compared to non-P2P buses. In addition, this bus service is merely administered by the Department
of Transportation. These so-called P2P buses are operated by private bus companies in partnership
with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. However, it remains that most
of the riding public either cannot afford to pay the premium rates or are not covered by the routes
of these premium bus services. Though most cannot afford this kind of service, it does not mean
that they can be transported without dignity and uncomfortably alike cattle

Indeed, there is a need t¢ have a unified transport system operated by the government which will
jmmute time for the people by putting their comfort and safety paramount
instead of profits; with/ lower rates of fare or whose fare is subsidized by the government to benefit
the commuting publié; and have a comprehensive route as well as designated stops.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5813

Introduced by REP. MANUEL F. ZUBIRI

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A UNIFIED PUBLIC BUS SERVICE FOR THE RIDING PUBLIC AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Unified Public Bus Service Act.

Section 2. Declaration of State Policy. ~ It is the declared policy of the State to provide a safe,
convenient, and comfortable way to travel for its citizens. The State shall stir the transportation
business in providing a more safe and convenient way to commute for the riding public. The
welfare of the public is paramount; it is likewise the policy of the State to promote the dignity of
the riding public.

Section 3. Unified Bus Service; Establishment and Features. ~ There is hereby established a unified
bus service which will be administered and operated by the Department of Transportation. IT
SHALL

a, Have designated stops;
b. Ply all major and key routes;

. Charge a fee from the riding public which will cover the actual cost of operation plus 10 percent
of said actual cost of operation;

b. Not allow the cramming and standing of passengers;

Section 4. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this Act shall
be charged to the current appropriations of the Department of Transportation and other agencies
that may be involved in the implementation of this Act.

Section 5. Staggered Implementation. — The provisions of this Act shall be first implemented in
Major Cities and shall establish City to City routes. Upon establishment of the unified bus service
in these areas the Department of Transportation shall implement the same in other areas on a
priority basis.

Section 6. Operational Proceeds. ~ The fees collected in the operation of the unified bus service in
the form of fares shall be used for the payment of the salaries of the drivers that will operate the
buses, the personnel comprising the endeavor as well as the maintenance of the vehicles.


Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within ninety days (90) after the effectivity of
this Act, the Department of Transportation and such concemed agencies shall adopt and
promulgate such rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act, Such implementing
rules and regulations shall be effective fifteen (15) days following their publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Section 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with
or contrary to this Act are hereby deemed accordingly repealed or amended.

Section 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its publication in
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.