Senator Grace Poe. INQUIRER.net file photo / KRISSY AGUILAR
MANILA, Philippines — Officials of local government units (LGUs) should help in checking the proper implementation of the recently-signed law requiring clean sanitary facilities and free internet services in public transportation terminals, Sen. Grace Poe said Friday.
“Siyempre, bilang opisyal ng mga lokal na mga lugar, dapat ‘yung serbisyong maibibigay ninyo sa constituents, siguraduhin ninyong compliant ‘yung mga terminal doon,” Poe told radio dzMM in an interview.
“Siyempre bibigyan rin naman natin ng kaukulang oras at panahon ang mga terminal, ang mga may-ari nito, na maging compliant, kasi siyempre kakapasa lang ng batas na ito,” the chair of the Senate committee on public affairs added.
READ: Duterte signs into law bill on clean facilities, free Wi-Fi in transport terminals
Republic Act No. 11311, principally authored by Poe in the Senate, mandates the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Transportation and other concerned agencies to ensure that free internet access is provided in land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and Roll-On/Roll-Off terminals. President Rodrigo Duterte signed it on April 17.
Owners, operators or administrators of transport establishments also prohibits the collection of fees from passengers for the use of restrooms. The measure also requires separate lactation stations for mothers who practice breastfeeding.
Poe said the implementation of the new law would be clearer once its implementing rules and regulations have been finalized after 60 days.
“… (D)apat ngayon—ito matutuwa ang ating mga manlalakbay—dapat lahat mayroong toilet paper, may sabon, may tubig, nafa-flush ‘yung toilet, may adequate lighting,” the lawmaker said, referring to the law.
“Kaya naman natin ginawa ito dahil gusto naman nating bigyan ng dignidad ang ating mga kababayan. Parang sinasabi nila, ‘Naku, pati ba naman ‘yan, ang babaw-babaw.’ Alam niyo po, ‘pag hindi natin ginawa itong batas, hindi naman nila gagawin ito,” she added. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)