Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2357

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3 Congressional District, Camarines Sur

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) plays
a crucial role in regulating public land transportation, ensuring safe, reliable, and
accessible services for commuters. However, the vast geographical expanse of the
Philippines often creates a significant disconnect between LTFRB's regulatory
services and the communities they serve. This challenge is particularly acute for
dynamic areas like Naga City and its surrounding localities within Camarines
Sur's Third Congressional District.

For residents and public utility vehicle (PUV) operators in this district,
accessing the LTFRB Regional Office in Legazpi City, Albay, currently poses a
significant and often prohibitive burden. A one-way journey of 95 kilometers or
more would now take at least three (3) hours, in light of the increased traffic
around certain municipalities between Camarines Sur and Albay. Consequently, a
round trip consumes a full day or more, generating substantial time, financial
expense, and considerable inconvenience. This burden is frequently compounded
by the need for multiple return trips to submit additional documents, follow up on
applications, or address unforeseen issues. This geographical and logistical barrier
directly contributes to backlogs, hinders effective enforcement, and delays
responses to critical local transport issues, directly impacting the livelihoods of
operators and drivers, and diminishing the quality and reliability of commuter
services in the district.

This proposed measure directly addresses these systemic challenges by
establishing an LTFRB satellite office in Naga City, Camarines Sur. This dedicated
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office will bring essential LTFRB services directly to the people of the Third
Congressional District. It aims to enhance accessibility, eliminating the need for
arduous, multi-trip long-distance travel, and improve service delivery through
expedited local processing; strengthen enforcement and monitoring via a local
presence; foster closer coordination with local government units (LGUs) and
transport stakeholders for responsive regulation; and provide economic benefits
by streamlining processes vital to the district's transport sector.

The immediate passage of this bill is crucial to decentralize vital
government services, promote good governance, and fully realize the LTFRB's
mandate for safe, efficient, and accessible public transportation for the constituents
of Camarines Sur's Third Congressional District.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2357

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3" Congressional District, Camarines Sur

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SATELLITE OFFICE OF THE LAND
TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD (LTFRB)
IN NAGA CITY, PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR, AND APPROPRIATING

FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Establishment of the LTFRB - Naga City Satellite Office. There is
hereby established a satellite office of the Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Naga City, Province of Camarines Sur. This office
shall be known as the LTFRB - Naga City Satellite Office and shall exercise
jurisdiction over Naga City and its surrounding municipalities within the Fifth
Congressional District of Camarines Sur. It shall be headed by a City Director and
shall be physically located within Naga City, Province of Camarines Sur.

SECTION 2. Functions. The LTFRB - Naga City Satellite Office shall perform
functions as delegated by the LTFRB Central Office and its Regional Office,
including but not limited to:

(a) Receiving and processing applications for franchises, permits,
and other regulatory documents for public utility vehicles;


(b) Issuing, renewing, and cancelling franchises and permits in
accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations;

(c) Investigating and resolving complaints filed against public
transport operators and drivers;

(d) Conducting inspections and enforcing compliance with LTFRB
rules and regulations;

(@) Providing localized information and assistance regarding LTFRB
programs and policies;

(f) Coordinating with local government units and transport
stakeholders within its jurisdiction; and

(g) Performing such other functions as may be necessary to carry out
the mandate of the LTFRB.

SECTION 3. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. Within sixty (60)
days from the approval of this Act, the LTFRB, in coordination with the Department
of Budget and Management (DBM), shall determine the appropriate organizational
structure and staffing pattern for the LTFRB - Naga City Satellite Office. The said
organizational structure and staffing pattern shall be submitted to the Chairperson
of the LTFRB for final approval.

SECTION 4. Funding. The Secretary of the Department of Transportation
shall immediately include in the Department's program the operationalization of
the LTFRB - Naga City Satellite Office. The amount necessary for its initial
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act for the
ensuing fiscal year following the approval of this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may
be necessary for its continued operation, maintenance, and expansion shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. If any provision or part hereof is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, and administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.


Approved,