Bill compels gov’t officials to take public rides during rush hour

Government officials, including lawmakers and Cabinet members, may be forced to put themselves in commuters’ shoes under a new bill that would compel them to use public transport during rush hour at least once a month.

As outrage mounted over a host of transportation issues, especially the suspension of the ride-sharing company Uber a lawmaker has filed a bill that would force officials, including those of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, to “empathize” with the riding public.

Weekday rush hours

Under the proposal of Aangat Tayo Rep. Neil Abayon, officials and employees of national and local government offices will be required to habitually ride buses, commuter trains, light rail, taxis and transport network vehicle service, public utility jeepneys and tricycles.

They will be required to do so “at least once every calendar month during weekday rush hours using each of the various modes” of public transport, according to the bill filed on Tuesday.

Flying economy

Public servants will also, by default, have to fly economy “regardless of rank,” under Abayon’s bill.

Officials covered by the bill will include those with the rank, or its equivalent, of division chief all the way to department secretary. Though not explicitly stated in the bill, members of Congress are covered.

“The personal, firsthand experience of riding public transportation will enable legislators to gain real world perspectives and inputs in aid of legislation,” Abayon said in his bill’s explanatory note.

But there are exceptions, including those with physical handicap or serious medical conditions. The President, Vice President, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court may also be exempted for security reasons.

“However, these particular constitutional officials may voluntarily set aside the exception” provided they are accompanied by a personal security team under terms determined by the Presidential Security Group and the Philippine National Police, it adds.

No punitive provisions

The bill, however, has no punitive provisions, meaning there are no consequences for noncompliance.

In his explanatory note, Abayon said public service “requires empathy and concerns for the people being served.”

“Public service improves when it is rendered with empathy and compassion. Public service requires living modestly and does not mean entitlement to perks such as business-class and first-class accommodations with airlines,” he said.

‘Publicity gimmick’

Transport and commuter groups assailed the bill.

“It’s just a publicity gimmick. What we need is for the government to come up with more good transport programs, such as having a publicly owned, efficient modern mass transport system,” said George San Mateo, president of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide.

Maricor Akol, president of the National Center for Commuters’ Safety and Protection, noted government officials needed security. Their battalion of aides and security would just cram an already packed transport system and elbow out the legitimate commuters. —With a report from Jovic Yee