Duterte signs into law bill on clean facilities, free Wi-Fi in transport terminals

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure requiring clean sanitary facilities and free internet services in transportation terminals.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11311 on April 17 but media was only informed of it on Wednesday.

Duterte signs RA 11311 which aims to improve transportation terminals, stations, stops, and rest areas. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/ScyKpC9n22

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) June 19, 2019

The new law mandates the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned agencies to ensure that free internet access is provided in land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and RORO terminals.

Under the law, owners, operators or administrators of transport establishments shall also fully ensure the speedy and efficient implementation of the free internet service.

The law also prohibits the collection of fees from passengers for the use of restrooms. However, the law does not cover “well-appointed or deluxe sanitary facilities” that are operated for commercial purposes and for the convenience of passengers.

Terminals are also mandated to have separate lactation stations for breastfeeding mothers.

Failure to comply with the law will result in the payment of fines of P5,000 for each day of violation and another P5,000 fine per day that fees have been collected from passengers for the use of sanitary facilities. Another P5,000 fine for each day of violation will also be imposed on operators or owners of transport terminals for failure to provide breastfeeding stations. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)