Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3519

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Republic of the Philippines, transportation is comparatively under the
Stage of development, relatively due to the country's mountainous areas and
dispersed islands, and as a result of the past government's persistent
underinvestment in the nation's infrastructure.

The country’s transportation problems have been directly hampering the growth
of our economy.

Lately, the state has been pushing to improve the transportation organization in
the country through various infrastructure projects.

This House Bill seeks to create a comprehensive Transportation Development
Program, providing funds thereof.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

MI L. ROMERO Ph.D.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 3519

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

AN ACT

CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURES AND PROTOCOLS,
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE - This Act shall be known as the
“Transportation Development Act of 2019

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is hereby a declared
policy of the state to create a comprehensive development program for the
transportation sector throughout the entire country, with the mandate of
achieving a more effective transport system.

SECTION 3. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM -
there is hereby created a comprehensive Transportation Development Program
that shall spearhead the following:

* Infrastructure modernization program;
* Real estate acquirement, procurement and management;


* Development and management of data, information
technology systems; and

* Continuous acquisition of equipment and procurement
planning

SECTION 4. PROCUREMENT - In accordance with the prevailing
provisions governing the acquisition of land, facilities, equipment and buildings
the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and all other relevant government
agencies shall therefor realign and improve its procurement system and

protocols.

SECTION 5. APPROPRIATIONS — The amount of Two Billion pesos
{P2,000,000,000.00) necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act shall be
included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the year following its
enactment into law.

The state shall hereby authorize the Department of Transportation to re-
align its appropriations, in the current year of the date of the effectivity of this
Act to conform with its mandate and requirements.

The amount needed to carry out the effective implementation of this Act
shall be treated independently and separate from the regular funding of the
Department of Transportation, its legislative district and attached agencies.

SECTION 6. ROLE OF THE DOTr — The Department of
Transportation, shall be primary lead agency involving the effective
implementation of this Act.

The DOTr shall, through information gathering and performance of its
functions, support the development program on matters involving operational
and organizational concerns.

SECTION 7. PERIODIC REPORTS - The DOTr shall submit periodic
reports on its findings and make recommendations on actions to be taken by


Congress and Senate and the appropriate department, in order to carry out the
objectives and mandates of this Act.

SECTION 8. AUTOMATIC REVIEW - Every three (3) years after the
‘effectivity of this Act, an independent review panel composed of experts to be
appointed by the President shall review the policies and programs and shall
make recommendations, based on its findings, to the President and to both
Houses of Congress.

SECTION 9. TRANSITORY PROVISION- Existing industries,
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act.

SECTION 10. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - The
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SECTION 11. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If, for any reason, any
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two
(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,