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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 3279

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The 1987 Constitution provides that the State guarantees equal access to opportunities
for public services, including transportation. However, many localities face difficulties in
accessing land transportation services, compounded by overcrowded Land Transportation
Offices (LTOs) and delayed processing of transactions. These challenges not only
inconvenience the public but also hinder economic activity and infringe the constitutionally
guaranteed right to travel. Toward this end, the State is duty-bound to ensure the unhindered
and efficient delivery of land transportation services.

Currently, the sole LTO in the island province of Catanduanes is located in the capital
municipality of Virac. Aside from the LTO in Virac, the next LTO is located in Tabaco City,
Albay, approximately seventy-four (74) kilometers away, across the Lagonoy Gulf. These
distances impose significant travel costs, long travel times, and considerable inconvenience on
residents from the northern municipalities of the province. Furthermore, with the increasing
population and demand for transportation services, overcrowding and delays at the Virac office
will only worsen.

In light of these challenges, this bill seeks to establish a regular LTO District Office in
the Municipality of Viga, fifty (50) kilometers north of the Virac Office. The proposal aims to
decongest the Virac Office while bringing licensing, registration, and other transportation-
related services closer to the people. Extending these critical government services to the rural
and remote communities in the northern part of the province will facilitate mobility and
encourage business activities, thereby supporting economic growth.

Notably, the House of Representatives had already approved this bill seeking to
establish an LTO District Office in the Municipality of Viga on Third and Final Reading during
the 19th Congress. However, due to lack of material time, the Senate was unable to consider
and approve the said measure. In this view, in support of equal access to public services and
the right to travel, this representation has filed the same bill in the 20th Congress.

Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sou,

EULOGI 1) UEZ


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._3279

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A REGULAR DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE LAND
TRANSPORTATION OFFICE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF VIGA, PROVINCE OF
CATANDUANES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. There shall be established, under the Department of Transportation
(DOT®), a regular district office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Municipality
of Viga, Province of Catanduanes.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of the DOTr shall immediately include in the Department's
program the operationalization of the regular LTO district office in the Municipality of Viga,
Province of Catanduanes, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,