Solon pushes for free use of comfort rooms in bus stations

MANILA, Philippines—A lawmaker on Thursday slammed bus terminals, stations and rest areas for collecting fees from their passengers to use public comfort rooms.

Mountain Province Representative Maximo Dalog. Photo from www.congress.gov.ph

Mountain Province Representative Maximo Dalog filed House Bill 6034 and called on bus terminals and rest areas to end the said practice, saying that they should always prioritize their passengers’ safety and comfort.

The measure seeks to prohibit bus companies, operators and owners of bus stations and terminals, bus stops and rest areas from collecting fees for use of their comfort rooms and other service facilities.

It will penalize violators with imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of P10,000.

He cited Article 1755 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines which said that common carriers should ensure their passengers’ safety as far as human care and foresight can provide, as well as Presidential Decree No. 522, which states that it was necessary to provide an adequate number of rest areas for travelers.