Bill wants subdivision roads open to traffic

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Subdivisions in the metro may soon be open to traffic once this bill becomes a law.

Brother solons Cagayan De Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez and Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. filed House Bill 3806 which seeks to open the roads of subdivisions or villages for vehicles wanting to avoid the traffic in the city.

The bill was filed in a bid to curb the worsening traffic in Metro Manila, the solons said in a statement on Monday.

According to the bill, at least one road of all subdivisions or villages in Metro Manila will be open to vehicular traffic.

Only vehicles with a gross weight of 4,500 kilograms may access the roads, the bill read.

“It is … imperative on the part of the private sector to contribute their share in the resolution of this problem,” the solons said.

The lawmakers added that traffic in the metropolis affect the country’s delivery of goods and services, and thus hike their prices.

The traffic also dampens the country’s productivity due to time wasted on travel, they added.

“The unproductive time spent by many in commuting has not only affected their personal advancement in their careers or professions, but also the economic growth of the country in general,” they said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has said that the country loses P2.4 billion in potential income daily due to traffic.

According to the bill, the Department of Public Works and Highways must come up with a list of subdivisions or villages required to open its roads to traffic.

The department is also tasked to notify the affected residents or homeowners’ associations at least 30 days before the roads are opened to traffic.

The villages will also be allowed to collect no more than P5 in collection fees from vehicles accessing the roads, as well as an annual fee of on more than P300 for the maintenance of the residence area.

The bill also seeks to amend Presidential Decree No. 957, or the Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree.

The bill is pending before the transportation committee for deliberations.

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