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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The worsening traffic in major cities, especially in Metro Manila, require creative
policies that will help lessen its impact to the economy and society while simultaneously
searching for a permanent solution to address its roots. According to a February 2018 study of
the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Philippine Economy incurs about P3.5
Billion in lost opportunities daily. SICA also estimates that if the traffic jams are left
unmitigated, the economy will experience losses of up to P5.4 Billion daily by 2035. Needless
to say, these are unconscionable losses that the country cannot afford to endure for an extended
period of time.

This proposed measure seeks to adopt responsive, effective, and comprehensive steps
that shall address the crisis brought about by land traffic congestion and gridlock and the
shortage of efficient, safe, secure, accessible, and affordable mass transportation in the
Metropolitan Manila, Metropolitan Cebu, and Metropolitan Davao areas.

‘There is a need to reform, streamline and modernize the mass transportation systems
for the purpose of attaining sustainable, organized, predictable, accessible and safe networks
of public transportation leading into and out of and within the metropolitan areas in order to
alleviate the worsening traffic.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

SOL AI JONES
3®° District, Laguna


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

- 3510
House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

AN ACT
PRESCRIBING AN URGENT, COMPREHENSIVE METROPOLITAN CEBU AND
METROPOLITAN DAVAO AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Traffic Crisis Act.

Makiisa. Makisama. Magkaisa”’
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:

(a) Adopt responsive, effective, and comprehensive measures that address the crisis
brought about by land traffic congestion and gridlock and the shortage of efficient, safe, secure,
and accessible mass transportation in the Metropolitan Manila, Metropolitan Cebu, and
Metropolitan Davao;

(b) Establish a strong primary policy-making, planning, programming,
coordinating, implementing, regulating, enforcement authority under the control and
supervision of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) vested with exclusive power to
control, manage, and regulate land-based traffic and structures in Metropolitan Manila,
Metropolitan Cebu, and Metropolitan Davao;

(c) Harmonize all traffic rules, regulations, ordinances, issuances, and policies in
the metropolitan areas to achieve a comprehensive, cohesive and integrated statutory and

regulatory framework for land-based traffic;


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(d) Reform, modernize, and streamline the mass transportation systems for the
purpose of attaining sustainable, organized, predictable, accessible and safe networks of public
transportation leading into and out of and within the metropolitan areas;

() Institute a system of responsibility and accountability for all land-based traffic
stakeholders, including public officials, utility operators, road users, private property owners
and business establishments, in the furtherance of mobility within the metropolitan areas; and

() Ensure transparency, accountability and compliance with applicable legal
requirements in the procurement, award and execution of all projects implemented pursuant to
this Act and with the objective of alleviating the land-traffic crisis.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

(a) Covered agencies refer to the government agencies, offices, bureaus, and units
enumerated under Section 6 of this Act and any and all other government agencies, bureaus,
and offices tasked or empowered by law or regulation to control, oversee, regulate, or manage
any aspect of land-based traffic or road use in any or all of the metropolitan areas;

(b) Metropolitan Manila refers to the National Capital Region of the Philippines
composed of the cities of Manila, Quezon, Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon,
Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and
Valenzuela and the Municipality of Pateros;

(©) Metropolitan refers to any or all, as the case may be, of the three (3)
metropolitan areas, namely: The Metropolitan Manila Area, Metropolitan Cebu, and Davao;

(d) Metropolitan Cebu refers to the area composed of the of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-
Lapu and any other city or municipality in the Province of Cebu as may be identified for
inclusion by the Traffic Chief, upon the recommendation of the Metropolitan Cebu Traffic
Coordinating Council;

(©) Metropolitan Davao refers to the City of Davao;


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(f) Priority projects refer to the projects identified by the Traffic Chief and
submitted to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (COC) as priority or critical
undertakings for the purpose of immediately alleviating and managing the traffic crisis; and

(g) Traffic crisis refers to the prevailing and exponentially worsening land traffic
congestion and gridlock and mass transportation shortage and inefficiency within the
‘metropolitan areas and in the areas leading into and out of these areas that disrupt the country's,
economic and social growth and development, and recognized to be of such nature, scope, and
magnitude as to be considered a national emergency.

SECTION 4. Coverage. — This Act shall be limited in scope, application and effect
to the metropolitan areas and the priority projects to be implemented under this Act. This Act
shall authorize and apply only to such priority projects, programs, policies, rules, and
regulations that will have immediate, significant, and measurable impact on the land-based
traffic crisis as defined herein. Notwithstanding the limited scope of this Act, the Traffic Chief
may implement similar systems and mechanisms provided in this Act in other cities and
municipalities experiencing land traffic crisis as defined in this Act.

SECTION 5. Duration of the Act. — Except as otherwise provided herein, the
authority granted under this Act shall subsist and be valid and effective for a period of three
(3) years from the effectivity of this Act, unless sooner withdrawn by a Joint Resolution of
Congress, without prejudice to rights and benefits that may have been vested and culpabilities
and liabilities that may have been incurred under its provisions.

The following provisions of this Act shall continue to take effect unless revoked or
repealed by other subsequent laws:

(a) Section 6 on the continuing reorganization power of the President of the

Philippines;


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(b) Sections 9 and 10 on the existence of the Metropolitan Cebu Trame
Coordinating Council and the Davao Traffe Administrator, without prejudice to the prerogative
and power of Congress to replace the same and create new development authorities covering
the said areas, and Section on their policy-making power, including that of the Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority (N/MDA);

(©) Section 7(c) which will then be continuing powers of the MMDA and the
Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council and the Davao Traffic Administrator or the
development authorities as may have been created, to issue and enact, and review, harmonize,
amend, revise, or repeal regulations, policies, ordinances, orders, and circulars issued and
enacted by the covered agencies and the component local government units (LGUs) pertaining
to land-based traffic and road use, regulation, and management;

@ Section 13, on the mandatory updating of the Traffic Management Plan (TMP)
at least once a year and its continued implementation;

(©) Section 14, on the extension of the opening of friendship routes, private village
and subdivision roads as additional access points for motorists subject to the determination of
the Traffic Chief that the necessity for the use of such additional access road still exists and
compliance with the minimum procedures and standards set forth in Section 14;

() Section 15, on continued route rationalization;

(g) Section 19, on public utility vehicle (PUV) operator obligations and
responsibilities;

(h) Section 21, on the requirement of obtaining a development clearance certificate
from the relevant metropolitan development authority;

@ Sections 24, on testing for professional driver's license holders;

@ Sections 25, on roadworthiness testing; and

(k) Section 37, on the requirements for publication of information.


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SECTION 6. The Traffic Chief: Supervision and Control. — The Secretary of
Transportation is hereby designated as the de officio Traffic Chief during the effectivity of this
Act, with full power and authority as herein provided, to streamline the management of traffic
and transportation, and to control road use in the identified metropolitan areas.

During the effectivity of this Act, the Traffic Chief shall have the power of supervision
and control over:

(a) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA);

(b) Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council created under Section 9 of this
Act;

(©) Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG);

(4) Land Transportation Office (LTO);

(c) Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB);

() Road Board;

(e) _Alllother executive agencies, bureaus, and offices with functions related to land
transportation regulation; and

(h) Davao Traffic Administrator created under Section 10 of this Act.

The Traffic Chief shall supervise all LGUs within the metropolitan areas with respect
to the enforcement of rules, regulations, policies, and programs enacted pursuant to this Act
and for the harmonization and enforcement of all traffic rules and regulations, the
implementation of this Act and the unified traffic system throughout each of the metropolitan

areas, inclusive of ingress and egress into such areas.

The primary authority for the implementation of the plans, programs, and priority
projects pursuant to this Act shall be with the Traffic Chief, who may delegate the same to the

MMDA, Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council, or the Davao Traffic Administrator,


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in coordination with the component LGUs, the covered agencies, and other relevant and

appropriate national government agencies.

To ensure the effective management of land-based traffic during the effectivity of this
Act, the President of the Philippines may abolish or create offices; split, group, or merge
offices; transfer functions, equipment, properties, records, and personnel in accordance with
existing law; and take such other actions necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act:
Provided, That there is no resulting diminution of the present salaries and benefits of the
personnel of the agencies and any official or employee who may be terminated from
employment by reason of the reorganization is entitled to such benefits as may be provided by
existing retirement laws, in coordination with the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Civil

Service Commission (CSC).

SECTION 7. Powers and Functions of the Traffic Chief. — The Traffic Chief shall

have the following powers and functions during the effective period of this Act:

(a) Formulate, coordinate and monitor policies, standards, programs, and projects
to rationalize the existing public transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of
thoroughfares, and promotion of safe and convenient movement of persons and goods;

(b) Administer and implement all traffic enforcement operations, traffic
engineering services, and traffic education programs;

(c) Issue, enact, review, harmonize, amend, revise, revoke, or repeal existing traffic
regulations, policies, ordinances, orders, and circulars issued and enacted by the covered
agencies to promote efficient mobility in the three (3) metropolitan areas. Such issuances and
enactments shall specifically address, among others:

(1) __ Licensing, operation, and regulation of PUVs and registration and regulation of

private vehicles;


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(2) Testing and licensing of drivers;

(3) Clearing of sidewalks and side streets;

(4) Regulation of street parking of vehicles;

(5) Enforcement of setbacks and construction of driveways, especially on main
thoroughfares;

(6) Establishment and operation of transport terminals and removal of illegal
terminals on the road;

(7) Regulation of licensing of, and commencement and operation of businesses
with direct negative impact on traffic flow; and

(8) Closure of or imposition of monetary and other penalties on businesses that
consistently or continuously impede traffic for, among others, failure to provide sufficient
parking to customers, adequate ingress and egress for PUVs, and the required setback on streets
and main thoroughfares.

(9) Modify, amend, or expand the functions and authority of any of the covered
agencies and officers in relation to matters affecting land-based traffic as approved by the
President of the Philippines;

(10) Ensure a single traffic coordinator in each of the metropolitan areas and
establish and implement therein a comprehensive and unified road use plan and a unified traffic
management system to be followed by all component LGUs, by harmonizing the provisions of
the following existing laws related to traffic management, road use, and all rules, regulations,

ordinances, and orders duly issued and implemented by the covered agencies pursuant to such

laws:

(0) Republic Act No. 7160 or the "Local Government Code of 1991";

Q) Republic Act No. 6975 or the "Department of the Interior and Local
Government Act of 1990;


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(3) Republic Act No. 7924 or An Act Creating the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority;

(4) Republic Act No. 4136 or the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code"; and

(5) Executive Order No. 292, as amended or the “Administrative Code of 1987";

(® Enforce all traffic laws and regulations in the 12 metropolitan areas, enlisting
and deputizing for the purpose, members of the PNP-HPC, traffic enforcers of LGUs, duly
licensed security guards, or members of nongovernmental organizations to whom certain
authority may be delegated, subject to such conditions and requirements as the Traffic Chief
may impose;

(g) Review, modify, override, or cancel franchises, concessions, contracts, permits,
and licenses issued by any of the covered agencies or component LGUs, as well as the rules
and procedures for awarding such;

(h) Establish and administer within each of the metropolitan areas a single ticketing
system which shall fix, impose, and collect unified, graduated fines and penalties for all kinds
of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or nonmoving in nature; and

(i) Confiscate, suspend, or revoke driver's licenses for violations of traffic laws and
regulations, the provisions of Republic Act No. 4136, Presidential Decree No. 1605, granting
the Metropolitan Manila Commission certain powers related to 3 traffic management and
control in Metropolitan Manila, and 4 Republic Act No. 7924 to the contrary notwithstanding.

In the interest of efficiency, the Traffic Chief may delegate any of the aforementioned
powers and authority to the MMDA, the Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council, or

to the 8 Davao Traffic Administrator.

The Traffic Chief, the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Directors of the
DOTr, and officers of the MMDA, Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council, the Cebu Traffic

Coordinator, and the Davao Traffic Administrator shall be required to take at least once a week


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a mode of public transportation, whether land, rail, or maritime, primarily used by the masses,

in order to monitor the traffic crisis during the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 8. Comprehensive Traffic Rule Handbook. — The Traffic Chief, in
coordination with the covered agencies, shall develop and issue a comprehensive trafif rules
and regulations handbook for the metropolitan areas which, among others, identifies 20 traffic-
related violations and offenses and imposes corresponding graduated penalties, including the

following:

(a) _ Reckless driving;

(b) Obstruction of roads and intersections;

(©) Counterflow;

(@) __Lack of or inadequate parking spaces, setback, or driveway;

(©) legal loading and unloading of passengers or cargo; and

(f) Such other traffic violations that may be determined by the Traffic Chief to be
contrary to the policies set forth by this Act.

The final list of traffic violations and corresponding penalties shall be submitted to the

JCOC, created under Section 12 hereof, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 9. Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council. — There shall be
established a Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council, hereinafter to be referred to as
the Council, which shall be the sole and central authority for land-based traffic in
Metropolitan Cebu. The decisions of the Council shall be made by a majority vote of its
members in a meeting called for the purpose, there being a quorum. The Council shall be
composed of the local chief executives of component LGUs of Metropolitan Cebu. It shall
convene within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act and, within the same period,

appoint a Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinator who must be a resident of Metropolitan Cebu,


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and must possess the appropriate academic background and work experience on land

transportation and traffic management.

In case of the Council's failure to appoint a Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinator, the
Traffic Chief shall immediately appoint one. Upon the appointment by the Council or the 23
Traffic Chief, as the case may be, the Metropolitan Cebu Traffic Coordinator, as alter ego of

the Traffic Chief, shall head the Council.

The component LGUs of Metropolitan Cebu and Davao City shall set aside funds from
any available local revenues to fund the creation of the Council and the Metropolitan Davao

Traffic Administrator.

SECTION 10. Davao Traffic Administrator. — The Chief shall, in consultation with
the component barangays of Davao City, appoint the Davao Traffic Administrator, who must
be a resident of Davao City and must possess the appropriate academic background and work

experience on land transportation and traffic management.

SECTION 11. Policy-Making Power of the MMDA, the Council and the Davao Traffic
Administrator. - The MMDA, the Council, and the Davao Traffic Administrator, with the
approval of the Traffic Chief, shall set the policies on land-based traffic and road use in their
respective metropolitan areas, and shall coordinate and regulate the implementation of all
programs and projects on traffic management pertaining to enforcement, engineering and

education.

Upon the request of the Traffic Chief, the MMDA, the Council, or the Davao Traffic
Administrator, all other government agencies, LGUs and offices involved in traffic
management and enforcement shall provide personnel and logistical support, among other

forms of assistance.


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SECTION 12. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. — There is hereby created
a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (JCOC) tasked with the monitoring of the

implementation of this Act during the effectivity of this Act:
The JCOC shall be composed of the following members:

(a) Senate President;

(b) Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(c) Chairperson of the Committee on Public Services of the Senate;

(@) Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation of the House of
Representatives;

(e) Chairperson of the Committee on Finance of the Senate;

(f) Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives;

(g) Member of the Committee on Public Services of the Senate; and

(h) Member of the Committee on Transportation of the II House of Representatives.

The JCOC shall constitute an Executive Committee (ExeCom), to be headed by an
Executive Director, who shall oversee the day-to-day coordination with the concerned public

officers and stakeholders.

The JCOC shall hold bimonthly meetings which shall be hosted alternately by the
Senate and the House of Representatives. Any action or decision of the JCOC as mandated
under this Act must be approved by a majority of its members at a duly constituted meeting

where a quorum is present throughout.

The Traffic Chief shall submit a monthly report to the JCOC on the efficiency and
effectiveness of the measures undertaken to implement this Act and alleviate the traffic crisis.

The JCOC shall conduct ocular inspections of the priority projects at least once per quarter.


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Upon the expiration of the term of the JCOC, which shall be coterminous with the
effectivity period of this Act, the JCOC shall submit a comprehensive report to Congress on
the implementation of this Act and shall recommend appropriate measures to ensure the
continued effective regulation and management of land traffic within the metropolitan areas

and their surrounding areas.

SECTION 13. Traffic Management Plan. — The Traffic Chief shall, in consultation
with the affected private stakeholders, the MMDA, the Council, and Davao Traffic
Administrator, as the case 8 may be, formulate a separate Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for

each of the metropolitan areas.

‘The TMP must sufficiently detail the concrete steps to be to immediately and effectively
alleviate the traffic crisis in the metropolitan areas in a measurable or quantifiable manner. The

TMP shall include the following minimum components:

(a) Organizational structure allocating the respective duties and responsibilities of
the covered agencies for traffic management and regulation, including traffic law enforcement;

(6) Route rationalization of PUVs, as provided in Section 15 of this Act;

(c) Promotion of sustainable transport including the setting up of bicycle lanes;

(4) Coordinated odd-even, number coding or other vehicle volume reduction
scheme throughout the metropolitan areas;

(©) Synchronized truck ban throughout the metropolitan areas;

(f) Creation of a traffic flow system, including identification and designation of
‘one-way streets and u-turn slots;

(g) Identification of friendship routes and private village or subdivision roads to

serve as alternate or secondary routes;


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(h) Designation of PUV terminals including the relocation of 4 existing or removal
of illegal terminals;

(i) Removal of traffic signs and PUV stops which block or encroach upon the right-
of-way to or along major thoroughfares;

(Prohibition against and designation of parking areas on certain roads;

(k) Clearing of sidewalks and determination of the need for elevated crosswalks
and their suitable locations which must be integrated to the designated PUV terminals and bus
stops, and the design for such crosswalks which should be sustainable, safe, convenient and
accessible to persons with disability;

() Efficient and coordinated waste and flood management;

(m) — Comprehensive traffic rules and regulations handbook which identifies traffic~
related violations and offenses and imposes corresponding graduated penalties;

(n) Single ticketing system, including procedures on the confiscation, suspension,
or revocation of driver's licenses for violations of traffic laws and regulations;

(0) Traffic system for roads leading to airport terminals and ports in the three (3)
metropolitan areas;

(p) Procedures for the expeditious reporting, processing and clearing of vehicular
accidents to avoid vehicular congestion, including among others, the requirements for the filing
of the police report or other traffic investigation reports: Provided, That digital photographs
shall be considered as sufficient and acceptable basis of such reports or any other report of
similar nature as may be allowed by the Insurance Commission for processing of insurance
claims;

(q) A clear policy on ridesharing or carpooling technologies and other traffic

management programs; and


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2s

() A Clark Airport Development Plan, to be developed in coordination with the
Clark International Airport Corporation, Clark Development Corporation, Department of
Tourism (DOT), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA), and the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Except for the route rationalization plan for PUVs, which must be studied and
completed within eight (8) months from the effectivity of this Act, the TMPs must be
completed within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. At such time, the Traffic
Chief shall submit the TMPs to the JCOC.

The TMP shall be updated at least once every year, and even after the lapse of the
effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 14. Friendship Routes. — The Traffic Chief, in coordination with the
component LGUs, shall identify the private subdivision or village roads which shall be
designated as friendship routes and shall serve as additional access points and secondary
channels for road traffic.

The procedures and standards for the establishment of friendship routes are as follows:

(a) Conduct of two (2) public consultations with the affected private village
residents;

(b) Reasonable determination that there are no other available public route other
than the proposed friendship route;

(c) Implementation by government of other remedial measures such as road
clearing and sidewalk clearing in the contiguous or adjacent public roads; and

(@ Exercise by a private road owner of the option to impose toll fees in the form of
selling pass-through stickers to pay for road maintenance and security, without prejudice to the
government's right to expropriate the private road if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the

public.


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The friendship routes shall be open to the public only during the effective period of this
Act. The opening and public use of any such friendship route may be extended by the Traffic
Chief subject to the determination that the necessity for the use of such additional access road
still exists beyond the duration of this Act and the observance of the minimum procedures and

standards set forth in this section.

SECTION 15. Route Rationalization for Public Utility Vehicles. — There shall be
established a Route Rationalization Plan for PUVs which shall be submitted to the JCOC not
later than eight (8) months from the effectivity of this Act. It shall include the following

minimum components:

(a) Procedure for integration of different transportation modes into a unified public
transport infrastructure network;

(b) Identification of the various primary, secondary, and ancillary routes, with the
corresponding determination of the primary and secondary routes’ measured capacity based on
the passenger demand and the destination of the demand during certain times of the day, with
particular focus on traffic rush hours and road size;

(c) Determination of the size, type, and number of PUVs including double-decker
bus, articulated bus, minibus, jeepney, Asian utility vehicle, multicab, and tricycle appropriate
to a particular route's measured capacity;

(@) Determination of the applicable fares per type of PUV for each of the identified
routes; and

(©) _ Design, roll-out, and maintenance of unified or single dispatching mechanism
with minimum safe headway between PUVs.

SECTION 16. Revocation and Modification of PUV Franchises and Permits. — The

Traffic Chief, upon consultation with the LTFRB and other relevant covered agencies and the


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conduct of public hearings, may revoke or modify a PUV franchise to conform to the viable

capacity of a certain route.

Upon determination of the optimal number of PUVs in a route and that such route
requires larger PUVs, the Traffic Chief shall, through the LTFRB, restrict the issuance of PUV
franchise to operators employing PUVs with the appropriate capacity to serve the route. Any
previously issued PUV franchise covering smaller capacity PUVs, such as tricycles and
pedicabs, shall be revoked within a period of six (6) months after the publication of the notice
of revocation in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality and the posting of such notice

for four (4) consecutive weeks in the concerned barangay, city and municipal halls.

No cancellation of franchise shall take place without compensation to PUV operators
and proper social support mechanisms provided to the displaced workers in accordance with

Sections 22 and 23 of this Act.

SECTION 17. Suspension of PUV Franchising Authority. — The power of LGUs in
the metropolitan areas to issue franchises to padyak, tricycles, and all other PUV units as
provided in the Local Government Code is hereby suspended during the effective period of this

Act.

The Trafic Chief, or upon delegation, the LTFRB, can revoke or revise the franchises
previously issued by LGUs to tricycles and other forms of PUVs. A franchise may not be
cancelled without compensation to the concerned PUV operator in accordance with Section 22
of this Act. Likewise, workers displaced by the cancellation of a franchise shall be socially

alleviated in accordance with Section 23 of this Act.

After the effective period of this Act, and upon the resumption of the LGUs' franchise-

issuance power under the Local Government code, the LTFRB shall:


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(a) Designate the particular routes in the metropolitan areas which tricycles,
pedicabs, and other small PUVs can ply and for which the LGUs may issue the appropriate
franchise. Such routes shall be limited to secondary and tertiary roads, which are not
serviceable by bigger PUVs such as jeepneys or minibuses; and

(b) Set the maximum number of PUV franchises that an LGU may issue for each
particular route. All PUV franchises to be issued by the LGUs shall be automatically reviewed
by the LTERB.

The exercise of the LGU's power to issue franchises to PUVs and the franchises shall

be subject to review and amendment by 3 the DOTr, through the LTFRB.

SECTION 18. Government Take-Over of the Operations of a PUV Franchise. — In
accordance with Section 17, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, the Traffic Chief may take
over or direct the operation of any PUV franchise as may be necessary to implement this Act
and related rules and regulations. To the extent feasible, the management of such PUV
franchises shall be directed and supervised by the Traffic Chief, or the latter's designated
representative. The Traffic Chief shall render a full accounting to the President of the
Philippines and the JCOC of the operations of such transportation services taken over:
Provided, That whenever the President or the Traffic Chief shall determine that the further use
or operation by the government of such PUV franchise or enterprise is no longer necessary
under existing conditions, the same shall be restored to the person entitled 18 to the possession

thereof.

SECTION 19. PUV Operator Obligations and Responsibilities. — A PUV driver shall
work no more than twelve (12) hours per shift within a twenty-four (24)-hour period. The
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall determine the appropriate work shift for

the different classes of PUVs.


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A PUV Operator must ensure compliance with all labor laws and standards, including
the payment to drivers of a minimum prescribed monthly salary based on applicable laws and
regulations. For this purpose, the DOLE and the LTFRB shall, within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, complete a wage study to determine, among others, the different
minimum wages appropriate and applicable based on the type of PUV driven by covered

drivers. The study shall be submitted to the JCOC upon completion.

All public transit operators, including taxi operators, must maintain and update in a
publicly accessible website, a list of all drivers in their employ and their respective professional
driver's license details, as well as information on their franchise number or LTFRB case number
and the vehicles or units owned and operated by the PUV operator under its franchise, including

the chassis numbers of said vehicles.

Failure of the PUV franchisee to disclose complete and accurate information regarding
its professional drivers and franchised units shall be a sufficient ground for the revocation or
suspension of such franchise, depending on the gravity of the nondisclosure or

misrepresentation.

SECTION 20. Traffic Impact Plan. — During the effective period of this Act, the

Traffic Chief, in coordination with the LGUs and other relevant covered agencies shall:

(a) Prescribe the rules, regulations, and standards for large mixed-use property
developments to ensure adherence to best practices for long-term sustainability, avoid
disturbance to adjoining communities and public convenience, and to minimize adverse
environmental impact; and

(b) Prescribe rules, regulations, and development standards to optimize and
rationalize land use and transportation development to promote urban dispersal to decongest

the metropolitan areas and provide direction to urban growth and expansion.


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SECTION 21. Development Clearance Certificate. — The Traffic Chief shall pass
upon and approve or disapprove all plans, programs, and projects proposed by LGUs,
government offices and agencies within the metropolitan areas, the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), public corporations, and private persons or enterprises where
such plans, programs or projects, including expansion or rehabilitation of existing
infrastructure are either located along any of the radial or circumferential roads and their
respective arterial roads within or leading into or out of the metropolitan areas or any other
road, street, or thoroughfare as may be identified by the Traffic Chief, or are determined to
have potential adverse effects on traffic flow, movement, or management of any of the, roads,
streets, or thoroughfares as identified herein, regardless of their location in the metropolitan
area.

The approval of the Traffic Chief shall take the form of a development clearance
certificate that shall be issued prior to any land development and shall be in lieu of all other
permits such as those issued by the MMDA and the LGUs, except the Environmental
Compliance Certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) or the Environmental Management Bureau. The Traffic Chief shall issue the
development clearance certificate within a non-extendible of five (5) working days from the
submission of any plan, program or project to be undertaken within the relevant metropolitan
area and the required supporting documents, otherwise the latter shall be considered approved.

Among other criteria, the Traffic Chief and the LGU concerned shall ensure compliance
with the Traffic Impact Plan, the mandated setbacks, provisions for sufficient vehicle parking
and other requirements of the National Building Code and other applicable statutes prior to the
issuance of the Development Clearance Certificate.

The Traffic Chief, or any duly designated agent or representative is hereby empowered

to institute necessary legal proceedings before the Special Traffic Crisis Court to be created


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under Section 34 of this Act, against any person who shall commence or continue the
implementation, without previous clearance from the Traffic Chief under this section, of any
plan, program or project within the relevant metropolitan area: Provided, That any local
government office, agency, public corporation, private person, or enterprise whose plans,
programs or projects have been disapproved by the Traffic Chief may, within fifteen (15) days
from receipt of such disapproval, appeal such decision to the Office of the President, whose
decision on the matter shall be final: Provided, further, That the expansion plans of existing
developments shall be considered as new plans subject to the review of the Traffic Chief.
SECTION 22. Compensation to PUV Operators. — Public transportation operators
whose franchises are revoked or modified as a consequence of the policies carried out pursuant
to this Act, such as, the shortening of routes, or reduction of covered PUV units, shall be

compensated based on the number of units affected or rendered redundant.

Compensation shall be based on depreciated value of the units affected, upon
presentation of the actual unit and validation that the unit and its chassis number are included
in the list of registered vehicles that have been issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and

Necessity (CPCN).

Likewise, loss of income shall also be compensated based on the average annual income
generated by that unit from a particular route, as evidenced by the affected parties’ official
receipts and income tax retums filed in the last three (3) preceding years. The one-time
compensation for loss of income shall be equivalent to such annual average income and shall

be exempt from income and other taxes.

The benefit of compensation under this section, may be availed only if the franchise
holder, within the five (5)-year period immediately preceding the revocation, has fully

complied with all statutory and regulatory requirements pertaining to the operation of its PUVs

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and the exercise of its privileges under its franchise, and does not have any derogatory record

with the LTFRB, MMDA, LGU, or any other relevant government agency or office.

SECTION 23. Social Support Mechanisms. — Drivers, driver's assistants, mechanics,
and other employees of a PUV operator affected by a revocation or modification of franchise

is entitled to financial assistance and other social support services in the following forms:

(a) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall extend
financial assistance using funding from available social protection programs and services. The
DSWD shall report the availability of such programs and any disbursement made to the JCOC.
In coordination with the LGUs, the LTFRB shall identify under oath the displaced employees
based on eligibility and profiling requirements. Upon identification, the employees shall be
included and immediately be classified as qualified persons under the available social
protection programs of the DSWD;

(b) The Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) shall prioritize the
training of affected employees in its training courses to empower them to pursue alternative
gainful employment or source of livelihood;

(c) The DOLE and the POEA shall obtain a list of displaced professional drivers
and mechanics and shall assist them in looking for employment, whether here or abroad;

(d) Displaced employees shall be entitled to separation pay 17 as mandated under
the Labor Code of the Philippines; and

(©) The legal dependents of affected employees shall be qualified for scholarships
from the government, in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the DSWD,
the Department of Education (DepEd), or the TESDA.

SECTION 24. Professional Driver's Examination. — Effective January 1, 2019,
licensed professional drivers operating PUVs in the metropolitan areas must undergo testing

and examination prior to the issuance of new professional driver's licenses. The test shall be

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specifically designed for the type of vehicle that the driver intends to operate. The LTO shall
administer the retesting free of charge.

Professional drivers operating PUVs within the metropolitan who are found to have not
complied with this requirement will have their professional driver's licenses revoked and shall

be banned from driving professionally for a period of two (2) years.

The LTO shall coordinate with established driving schools have existed, operated, and
have been in good standing for at least ten (10) years, in preparing the written and driving test
appropriate to the vehicle and route the applicant intends to operate. The LTO is hereby
authorized to accredit established driving schools to conduct the professional driver's
examination. Only drivers who have passed the new LTO test and provided a suitable bond as.
may be required by the LTO, shall be allowed to operate PUVs in the areas covered by this

Act.

New driver's license cards with special determinable features shall be issued to
professional drivers corresponding exclusively 16 to the type of PUVs they have been tested
for and the metropolitan area where they will be licensed to drive. Such driver's license may

not be used to lawfully operate any other type of PUV in any other area or locality.

SECTION 25. Roadworthiness. — Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this
Act, the LTO shall conduct roadworthiness testing of all PUVs operating within the

metropolitan areas. The testing shall cover the following:

(a) Emission testing;
(6) Chassis stability and actual capacity as determined by the manufacturer;
(©) Working headlights, break lights, and signal lights; and

(4) Other testing that may be done by the LTO using equipment that it presently

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The Secretary of the DOTr, or upon delegation, the LTO, shall work with established
vehicle manufacturers to determine and conduct the appropriate roadworthiness test and
vehicle limitations such as number of passengers and load limits per type of vehicle. Vehicle
manufacturers possessing equipment to 8 determine roadworthiness of certain types of PUVs

can be accredited for this purpose.

New license plates or stickers that make the existing license plates of PUVs discernible
shall be issued to PUVs that have passed the roadworthiness test and shall be authorized to
operate within the metropolitan areas. The license plate shall authorize the PUV to operate only

within the designated metropolitan area.

Noncompliance by a PUV operator with the requirement for roadworthiness testing
shall be penalized with the cancellation of the unit's franchise, immediate impounding, and a

fine of not more than ten thousand pesos (P 10,000.00).

In the event that the LTO is unable to accredit private vehicle manufacturers and dealers
to conduct the roadworthiness testing of vehicles, the LTO shall directly conduct such testing,

in the metropolitan areas.

SECTION 26. Financial Assistance to PUV Modernization. — The Development Bank
of the Philippines (DBP) shall reserve funds to facilitate the improvement and enhancement of

PUVs in the metropolitan areas.

The DBP shall extend financial assistance to existing public transportation operators
with valid franchise to enable them to modemize their units. It shall provide financing to
qualified applicants at preferred rates and shall report to the JCOC on the funding made

available to support the implementation of this section.

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The DBP can only offer this loan facility for procurement of vehicles with engines that
are Euro 4-compliant, hybrid, fully electric-powered or those which are more environment-

friendly: Provided, That the said vehicles are accessible to persons with disability.

SECTION 27. Priority Projects. — Pursuant to the enumerated policies of this Act, it
is hereby declared and recognized that the traffic crisis is in the nature of a man-made calamity
or catastrophe; that time is of the essence and immediate action is urgently necessary to prevent
further damage to the national economy, public health, and social welfare or loss of life and
property as a result of the traffic crisis; and that there is urgent necessity as well to restore,

improve, and make accessible vital public transportation services, infrastructure, and facilities.

As such, the traffic crisis is declared to be an emergency case, as defined in Section 53
of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) and Section
53.2 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). In accordance with Republic Act No.
9184, the President of the Philippines, through the Traffic Chief, is hereby authorized, during
the effective period of this Act and without prejudice to the use of other available procurement
methods under the GPRA, to enter into negotiated contracts for priority projects for the
construction, repair, restoration, rehabilitation, improvement, or maintenance of critical
infrastructure, projects, and facilities, and any directly related procurement of goods or

services, subject to the following requirements and conditions:

(a) The priority projects must be aimed to immediately and effectively alleviate the
traffic crisis, thereby promoting public interest;

(b) The terms and conditions of the priority projects must be advantageous to
the government; and

(c) The Traffic Chief, in coordination with the covered agencies, must submit a list,

of priority projects to the JCOC together with their respective description, the budgetary

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estimates, identification of necessary rights-of-way, and other salient features, within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity of 16 this Act.

The bidding or procurement of priority projects submitted to the JCOC shall be
conducted by the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-
DBM). The procurement method or negotiated contract process resorted to for any procurement
related to the certified priority projects must be complete, clear, transparent, and in accordance

with Republic Act No. 9184.

The contracts for projects to be carried out pursuant to and in accordance with this Act

shall be awarded only to contractors or project proponents with:

(1) Proven competence in, capability and experience with similar projects;

(2) Competent and qualified key personnel and sufficient and reliable equipment
and facilities;

(3) Sound financial capacity; and

(4) Legal capacity consistent with Republic Act No. 9184 5 and its IRR.

All awarded priority projects shall be subject to existing government auditing rules and

regulations governing negotiated contracts.

Contracts or concession agreements covering the priority projects shall have no
confidentiality clause, except with respect to matters protected by the Intellectual Property
Code of the Philippines. In case of technology-related priority projects, the terms of reference
(TOR) and contract or agreement must explicitly provide for technology transfer and

assignment of any and all source codes to the DOTr.

SECTION 28. Priority Projects, Disclosure Mechanism. —The list of priority projects
and their pertinent details shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the

metropolitan area concerned within fifteen (15) days from submission to the JCOC. In addition,

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the said list shall also be published with its own separate category in the Philippine Government

Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) established under Republic Act No. 9184.

SECTION 29. Rescission or Nullification of Contracts. — Contracts covering the
priority projects and any other procurement of goods and services resorted to in furtherance of
this Act shall be subject to rescission in accordance with Article 1191 of the Civil Code of the
Philippines or shall be declared null and void if found to be manifestly and grossly
disadvantageous to the government, whether or not the public omcer involved profited or will
profit thereby. Any action for such rescission or declaration of nullity shall fall within the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Special Traffic Crisis Courts to be created under Section 34 of this

Act and shall be initiated only upon the recommendation of the Traffic Chief.

Sufficient funds shall be appropriated to answer for any compensation and damages that

may be adjudicated to the counterparties.

SECTION 30. Suspension of Statutes Otherwise Applicable to Priority Projects. —To
promptly address the traffic crisis, the following are hereby temporarily suspended throughout

the effectivity of this Act, but only insofar as they apply to the priority projects under this Act:

(a) __ Provisions of the Local Government Code requiring prior consultation with, and
approval of LGUs, with respect to traffic-related projects within their respective localities; and

(b) Provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines requiring clearances and
permits for the employment of foreigners, specifically foreign technicians and experts working
in traffic-related projects.

SECTION 31. Liability for Priority Projects. — The following persons may be held
liable for noncompliance with Republic Act No. 9184 and other applicable statutes and
violations against 25 the provisions of this Act in relation to the implementation of 26 priority

project contracts:

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(a) DOTr Secretary;
(b) DOTr Undersecretary responsible;

(©) Chief Executive Officer or President of private concessionaires;

(d) Directors of private concessionaires; and

(e) Persons directly involved in the implementation of the projects.

The liability of the above persons for the violation of Republic Act No. 9184 shall be
incurred without prejudice to any criminal liability under any other laws or statutes, such as the
Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and
Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and

Employees.

Presentation or submission to the JCOC of the priority projects shall not exempt the
responsible officials and private persons from criminal or administrative liability if it is duly
proven that they have engaged in acts that influenced the determination of and award to the

winning concessionaire or violated any provision of other applicable statutes.

SECTION 32. Review of Existing Contracts and Concessions. —The Traffic Chief, in
coordination with the covered agencies, shall review contracts, permits, and licenses entered
into or issued by any of the covered agencies within the metropolitan areas or component LGUs
for the purpose of determining whether they contribute to the alleviation of the traffic crisis
and are advantageous to the government, and the level of compliance of the other party or

grantee with its statutory and contractual obligations.

‘The review must be completed within forty-five (45) days from the effectivity of this

Act.

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Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Chief shall submit to the
JCOC a list of contracts and concessions that may be the subject of modification, revocation,

rescission, or nullification.

Upon submission to the JCOC, the Traffic Chief, or the duly designated representative
may initiate any action necessary to effect the modification, revocation, rescission, or

nullification of the identified contracts and concessions.

SECTION 33. Power of Eminent Domain. — The Traffic Chief shall reasonably

exercise the power of eminent domain for right-of-way acquisition or expropriation of private
property necessary for priority projects, including the construction, rehabilitation or
maintenance of infrastructure projects, road widening, and clearance on the construction of

road setback.

For the approved priority projects to be implemented under this Act, the DOTr and the
relevant covered agencies must determine whether it is appropriate to lease real property to
facilitate a temporary right-of-way necessary for the construction of temporary terminals until

permanent ones are constructed, or to purchase or expropriate land for right-of-way purposes.

The rules and procedures prescribed under Republic Act No. 10752 or "The Right-of-
Way Act" for the negotiated sale or expropriation of a right-of-way shall apply to the priority

projects.

Government financial institutions shall issue for a reasonable fee the appraisal and

valuation report for the private property to 3 be expropriated for the priority projects.

SECTION 34. Special Traffic Crisis Court. — There shall be created a Special Traffic
Crisis Court in each of the metropolitan areas. The Special Traffic Crisis Court shall have
exclusive jurisdiction to hear and expeditiously resolve all actions that may emanate from the
implementation of this Act. These cases include the:

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(a) Legality or constitutionality of priority projects, programs, policies, rules and
regulations to be implemented under this Act;

(b) Bidding and award of a priority project and the nullification or rescission of
contracts covering such priority projects;

(c) Necessary right-of-way acquisition for the priority projects;

(d) _ Relocation of utilities or facilities and of informal settlers to implement the
priority projects;

(©) Opening of private village gates necessary to provide alternate routes or
friendship route throughout the effectivity of this Act;

(fp Termination or amendment of PUV franchises;

(g) Violations involving the implementation of any plan, program, and project
without requisite Development Clearance Certificate; and

(h) — Criminal violations penalized under this Act, unless they fall within the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Ombudsman and/or Sandiganbayan.

All judicial actions arising from the implementation or violation of this Act must be

heard in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines on continuous trials.

Resolutions, orders, and decisions issued by the Special Traffic Crisis Court may not
be enjoined unless by a temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction issued by

the Supreme Court.

‘Where an action for expropriation of private property is necessary for a priority project,
the government is entitled to the immediate issuance of a writ of possession over the subject
private property upon presentation of an appraisal report issued by a government financial
institution, and the deposit of just compensation set at one hundred twenty percent (120%) of
fair market value. Right-of-way cases shall be resolved within thirty (30) days from filing with
the Special Traffic Crisis Court.

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All right-of-way and expropriation cases pending in other courts that will affect any

priority project shall immediately be transferred to the Special Traffic Crisis Court.

A\ll right-of-way and expropriation cases pending in other courts that will affect any
priority project shall immediately be transferred to the Special Traffic Crisis Courts for

immediate resolution.

SECTION 35. Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). ~ In the implementation of this
Act and except otherwise provided herein, no other court than the Supreme Court may issue a
TRO or preliminary injunction against the government or any of its subdivisions, officials, or
any person or entity, whether public or private acting under government direction, to restrain,

prohibit, or compel the following acts:

(a) Bidding out or procurement of the priority projects, including infrastructure
projects, software or information technology components and attendant acquisition of
necessary goods and consulting services, as identified by the Traffic Chief and submitted to
the JCOC;

(b) Acquisition, clearance, and development of the right-of-way or site or location
of any transportation project identified by the Traffic Chief and submitted to the JCOC;

(c) Commencement, prosecution, execution, implementation, and operation of any
transportation project;

(@ Termination or cancellation of any transportation project;

(©) Opening of private village gates necessary to provide alternate routes
throughout the effective period of this Act;

(0) Termination or amendment of PUV franchises; and

(g) Undertaking or authorization of any other lawful activity necessary for any

transportation project.

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Upon their creation, the Special Traffic Crisis Courts shall have the power to issue

‘TROs and preliminary injunctions on matters enumerated herein.

SECTION 36. Actions of the Commission on Audit and the Civil Service Commission.
— The COA and the CSC shall resolve issues arising from the implementation of this Act
falling within their constitutional and statutory jurisdiction within thirty (30) days from their

cognizance of such issues.

The COA and the CSC shall monitor the implementation of this Act, immediately

determine possible issues, and recommend measures to rectify such issues.

SECTION 37. Publication of Information. ~ The DOTr must maintain a separate
website for the publication of complete and accurate information regarding the implementation

of this Act. The website should contain information on:

(a) All traffic-related policies, rules, and regulations with updates on all new
issuances;

(b) The TMP and its updates;

(©) Information on traffic data and projects;

(4) Information on the priority projects and policies that are being or intended to be
implemented under this Act;

(©) Status of priority projects during bidding or negotiation, award, and
implementation;

(Q) Project budget and implementation status including right-of-way acquisition;

(2) Cost of each project indicating the specific source of funds and the breakdown
of allocations;

(h) Terms of reference of the priority projects, including the terms and conditions

of any applicable concession agreements;

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(i) Detailed minutes of meetings including pre-bid and negotiations, during
bidding and awarding of projects;

@ Master list of all franchised and licensed public transit operators in the
metropolitan areas, with the names and license details of their PUV drivers and the brands,
types, models, and chassis numbers of the vehicles covered by the respective franchises;

(k) _List of public officials involved in the implementation of the priority projects,
including the statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth of public officials involved in the
bidding and negotiation of priority projects;

()) List of consultants and contractors engaged for the priority projects with sworm
statement on previous employment, projects undertaken, and experience; and

(m) Centralized database for traffic violations.

SECTION 38. Protection Against Law Suits. — Public officers involved in the
implementation of policies and priority projects covered by this Act shall be insured against
litigation by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the event that the Office of
the Solicitor General or the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel is not authorized to
represent them. The concerned public officer shall obtain the needed insurance coverage from
the GSIS and hire legal counsel, unless the GSIS itself determines that such official has clearly
violated the laws.

SECTION 339. Penalties for Violations Under this Act. — As part of the TMP, the
Traffic Chief, in coordination with the MMDA, Council, and Davao Traffic Administrator,
shall, within the metropolitan areas:

(a) Formulate and administer a single ticketing system;

(b) _ Fix, impose and collect graduated fines and penalties for all kinds of violations

of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or nonmoving in nature; and

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(©) Confiscate and suspend or revoke driver's licenses in the 24 enforcement of such
traffic rules and regulations.

Any violation of or noncompliance with this Act that qualifies as a criminal offense
under the Revised Penal Code or any special penal act shall be subject to the penalties of
imprisonment or fine as stipulated in such other laws: Provided, That the maximum applicable
penalty shall be imposed for violations of this Act. Convicted public offers shall, in addition to
penalties imposed, be removed from office and be perpetually disqualified from holding any
public office.

‘The resolution of any administrative complaint against a public officer pertaining to the
performance of functions under this Act, including malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance
in relation to a particular priority project, program, policy, or the implementation of this Act
shall not absolve the erring public officer concerned from criminal liability under this Act or
any other applicable penal statute.

SECTION 40. Appropriation of Funds. — The amount needed for the implementation
of this Act shall be taken from:

(a) The Motor Vehicle User's Charge Special Vehicle Pollution 15 Control Fund
created under Section 7 of Republic Act No. 8794 or the "Anti-Overloading Act of 2000"; and

(b) Current fiscal year's appropriation of the agencies 18 involved in the
implementation of this Act.

Thereafter, the amount needed for the implementation of 20 this Act shall be included
in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 41. Traffic Education. — The DOTr, LTO, LTFRB, DepEd, and TESDA
shall jointly develop a program for driver's education and for road and pedestrian etiquette
education that shall be incorporated as a mandatory subject m the senior high school

curriculum.

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SECTION 42. Separability Clause. — In the event that any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, invalid, or illegal, the constitutionality, validity, or legality of the
remaining provisions of this Act shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 43. Repealing Clause. — Pertinent provisions of the following laws which
are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly:

(a) Sections 21, 25, 447, 458, and 468 of the Local Government Code of 1991;

(b) Republic Act No. 6975, Department of the Interior and 9 Local Government
Act of 1990;

(©) Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980;

(d)_ Act No. 7924, MMDA Charter;

(©) Presidential Decree No. 1112, Toll Regulatory Board;

(Republic Act No. 4136, Land Transportation and Traffic 16Code;

(g) Republic Act No. 9184, Government Procurement Reform Act;

(h) Section 7 of Republic Act No. 8794, creating the Motor Vehicle User's Charge;
and

(i) Presidential Decree No. 612, as amended, or the Insurance 22 Code of the
Philippines.

SECTION 44. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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