Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3333

Introduced by Honorable Raneo E. Abu
2" District, Batangas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On June 20, 1964, Republic Act No. 4156 was enacted to create Philippine
National Railways (PNR) to exist for a term of fifty (50) years. Its term will expire
on June 20, 2014. This bill therefore seeks to extend the term of the Philippine

National Railways for another fifrty (50) years.

For more than a century, the PNR and before it, the Manila Railroad
Company of the Philippine Islands, has played a vital role in the socio-economic
development of the country. PNR used to operate on an extensive route from La
Union Province up to the Bicol Region. Due to various operational and mechanical
problems and destructions caused by natural calamities, operations on several areas
have been suspended. Presently, the PNR operates a commuter rail service from
Metro Manila to Calamba City, Laguna and certain parts in the Bicol Region.
During peak hours, these commuter trains are hugely patronized by the working
populace of Metro Manila as it serves as a cheaper and faster means of

transportation. To date, there are have been efforts made for the improvement,


reconstruction and rehabilitation of its facilities to provide an alternative means of

transportation and help decongest the traffic situation especially in Metro Manila.

A reliable and affordable public transportations system allows economic
activity through the efficient movement of people and delivery of goods and
services. An efficient railway system is an important component of the public
transportation system. In order for the PNR to continue its operation and further
serve as one of the major means of transportation for the commuting public, it is

imperative that its term be extended for another fifty (50) years.

Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

EO E-


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3333

Introduced by Honorable Raneo E. Abu
2"™ District, Batangas

AN ACT
EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS
FOR ANOTHER FIFTY (50) YEARS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC. ACT NO. 4156, ENTITLED “AN ACT CREATING THE
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS,
FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE NECESSARY
FUNDS FOR ITS OPERATION, ” AS AMENDED.

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

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 4156, as amended, is
hereby further amended to read as follows:

“Section 1. Name, Duration and Domicile. — A corporation to serve
as the instrumentality of the Government of the Philippines in providing a
nation-wide railroad and transportation system, is hereby created, to be
known as the Philippine National Railways, which shall [exist for a term of

fifty years from the approval of this Act] BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER


TERM OF FIFTY (50) YEARS FROM THE EXPIRATION OF ITS
ORIGINAL TERM ON JUNE 20, 2014. It shall have its main office in the
City of Manila, and shall have such branches within the Philippines as may
be necessary for the proper conduct of its business. The Corporation shall be
under the Department of Transportation and Communications. ”

SEC 2. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, and other
issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of

general circulation.

‘Approved,