De Lima files bill protecting commuters against abusive drivers

MANILA, Philippines — A bill eyeing to protect commuters from abusive drivers and to establish standards for services of public utility vehicles (PUVs) has been filed at the Senate.

Opposition Senator Leila de Lima’s Senate Bill No. 1165 or the “Passenger Transit Rights Acts of 2019” wants to “establish clear standards for service for the riding public and provide relief against unprofessional and abusive drivers.”

In a statement Friday, De Lima lamented commuters’ exposure to risks under the control of drivers who do not prioritize passengers’ safety.

“Exposed to this unfortunate experience and a daily exposure to risks and accidents,  under the hands of drivers and operators having very little to no regard to the rights of commuters, it therefore becomes obligatory upon the State to ensure their safety whenever they avail of services,” De Lima said.

Under the bill, minimum standards that must be maintained by PUVs include “the right of every passenger to travel while seated throughout the journey, to enjoy a safe ride, to demand and receive exact change, and to be provided safe, clean, suitable, well-lighted and secured waiting sheds, among others.”

The proposed measure also states drivers cannot demand a higher fare than what is indicated in the fare matrix provided by the concerned government agencies and metered vehicles cannot refuse passengers on the ground of distance or heavy traffic.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a Passenger Transit Rights Commission which must ensure aforementioned standards are observed.

“The Commission will not only evaluate the conditions to which the riding public are exposed, it shall also study and lay down contingency plans so that instances where technical glitches  create additional burden for commuters to suffer from, immediate and efficient assistance and resolution shall be delivered by the concerned government agency or office,” De Lima said.

The measure also seeks to establish a Transportation Action Center (TAC) “shall be in charge of receiving and adjudicating passenger complaints.”

Edited by MUF