DOTr: Execs riding public transport even in absence of a bill

MANILA, Philippines – Even in the absence of a bill,  most transportation officials are already using public transportation, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday.

The DOTr issued the statement after Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Winston Castelo on Monday filed House Bill No. 8859 dubbed as the “Government Officials Public Transportation Duty.”

READ: Gov’t transport officials must commute regularly, says lawmaker

According to the DOTr, its officials have been taking public transport to identify the problems being experienced by commuters.

“It has always been our practice in the DOTr that for one to be able to fully satisfy the demands of our stakeholders, it is essential to empathize with them and experience it ourselves,” the DOTr said.

“We would like to note that even in the absence of a bill, most of our officials take public transport,” it added citing DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade who commutes using various modes of public transport away from media fanfare.

The DOTr said it looks forward to be working with Castelo in addressing the public’s transportation needs.

House Bill 8859 requires government officials in charge of public transportation to take public transport at least once a month.

Among the agencies covered by the bill are the DOTr, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board,

Meanwhile, the DOTr added that it continues to find solutions to the problems of the commuting public “one day at a time”

“Rest assured that we will never stop in finding means to know, feel and relate with all the sufferings of our Kababayans to make all our programs and projects responsive to their needs,” it said. /muf