Gatchalian: Road Board abolition to streamline bureaucracy

MANILA, Philippines — The abolition of the graft-ridden Road Board will “streamline our bureaucracy and safeguard against corruption,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday.

Gatchalian issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a measure abolishing the agency.

“The Road Board has been one of the most corrupt agencies of government. And as its function could be relegated to other agencies, the abolition of the Road Board will streamline our bureaucracy and safeguard against corruption,” he said in a statement.

“With this useless agency now out of the picture, we have made the system more efficient and prompt in its service to the people,” he added.

The President signed Republic Act 11239 or “An Act Abolishing the Road Board and providing for the disposition of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Collections” last March 8.

READ: BREAKING: Duterte officially abolishes Road Board

The Road Board manages the proceeds of the road user’s tax, known as the motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC), which motorists pay yearly during the registration of their vehicles.

However, under the new law, the MVUC will be “remitted to the National Treasury under a special account in the General Fund.”

Duterte had earlier called for the abolition of what he described as “nothing but a depository of money and for corruption.”

READ: Duterte says ‘it’s time to abolish’ Road Board

“Officials have long used the Road Board as their personal kitty with no accountability. I am thankful that this practice will now come to an end,” Gatchalian said. /ee