Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5571

House Bill No. ~~”

Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A, MARINO.
5 District, Batangas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Traffic situation in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila and highly
urbanized cities, has worsened over the years. Travel time for commuters has become
longer and billions of pesos are lost due to horrendous traffic congestion. In fact,
based on a 2014 report by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the
Philippines is losing 2.4 billion pesos per day in potential income as a result of the
country’ traffic problems.

In addressing the country’s traffic problems, the government had to turn to
traditional ways and creative ideas to ease traffic and, at the same time, prevent road
accidents. The State, through concerned government agencies, in promoting the
general welfare of the people, thereby adopted the “Truck-Only Lane” policy to ease
traffic and prevent road accidents in select thoroughfares. Initial results would show
that the “Truck-Only Lane” policy adopted by the concerned agencies is deemed
effective, specifically along C-5 and Katipunan. The strict implementation of the
policy has greatly improved the flow of vehicles in the area. Travel time was also
reduced by 22% even during rush hour. It is for this reason that the implementation of
the said policy has been extended and applied to other major roads in Metro Manila
such as Congressional Road, Mindanao Avenue, and Road 10.

It is, therefore, high time to institutionalize and adopt this policy especially in
highly congested areas to ease traffic and improve the flow of vehicles in all of Metro
Manila and highly urbanized cities, including expressways. The institutionalization of
this policy sends a strong message that the government is serious in addressing the
nation’s worsening traffic congestion.

In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

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MARIO ‘ORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, D071

Introduced by Rep. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO
5% District, Batangas

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING TRUCK LANES IN ALL
MAJOR THOROUGHFARES IN METRO MANILA AND HIGHLY
URBANIZED CITIES

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

SECTION 1. Coverage. — This Act shall cover cargo trucks and heavy vehicles
having a gross capacity weight of more than 4,500 kilograms traversing in Metro
Manila and highly urbanized cities.

SECTION 2. Designation of Truck Lanes. — (a) Whenever the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH). the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (ACT)
composed of the Department of Transportation (DOT:), Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG),
Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board (LTFRB), or local authority with respect to highways under their
respective jurisdiction determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
investigation that the designation of a truck lane or lanes would facilitate the safe and
orderly movement of traffic, the iACT or local authority may designate a specific lane
or lanes for the travel of cargo trucks or heavy vehicles and shall erect signs at
reasonable intervals giving notice thereof, Provided that identification and designation
of truck routes shall be a condition sine qua non prior to the designation of truck lanes.

(b) Any cargo truck and heavy vehicle shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated
pursuant to subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that
designation.

SECTION 3. Right-Hand Lane for Traffic. ~ Except as otherwise provided in
this Act, when a specific lane or lanes have not been so designated, any of those
vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to
the right edge or curb. If, however, a specific lane or lanes have not been designated
on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one
direction, any of those vehicles may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of
that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited by existing traffic code or rules.


SECTION 4. Overtaking. — When overtaking and passing another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the
lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic.

This section does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand
turn or who is entering into or exiting from a highway or to a driver who must
necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his or her
intended route.

SECTION 5. Penalties for Violaton. ~ The following penalties shall be imposed
upon the driver of a cargo truck or heavy vehicle who fails to observe the truck lanes
and/or routes designated:

For the first offense, the driver of the cargo truck or heavy vehicle shall pay the fine
of two thousand (2,000) pesos.

For the second offense, the driver of the cargo truck or heavy vehicle shall pay the
fine of five thousand (5,000) pesos.

For the third offense, the driver of the cargo truck or heavy vehicle shall pay the fine
in the amount of ten thousand (10,000) pesos and a corresponding suspension of
operation for 30 days shall be imposed upon the operator or owner of the cargo truck
or heavy vehicle. The cancellation of its franchise and/or vehicle registration shall
further be recommended.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations ~ The heads of the DPWH
and the iACT shall jointly, by thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement and carry out the intent, objectives,
purposes and provisions of this Act.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15)

days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.