Late MP Rep Dalog’s ‘kasilyas’ bill now law

By Erlindo Agwilang

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- A law of national significance, originally and principally authored in the 17^th Congress by the late Rep. Maximo B. Dalog Sr. of the lone district of Mountain Province and championed by Sen. Grace Poe at the Senate, Republic Act 11311 was  signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte recently.

               Under House Bill 725, Dalog’s version was entitled, “An Act prohibiting the collection of fees from passengers for the use of sanitary facilities located in the land transportation terminals, stations, stops and rest areas while Poe’s version was entitled, An Act to improve land transportation terminals, stations, stops, appropriating funds therefore under Senate Bill 1749.

Both bills were consolidated under RA 11311, which is now known as An Act to improve land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and roll-on/roll-off terminals, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.

Under this law, it will be unlawful for owners, operators and administrators of land transport terminals, bus stops, and rest areas to collect fees from passengers for the use of sanitary facilities.

It has been a long-time exercise by various transport terminals to collect fees ranging from P5 to P10 as service fees, accordingly for the maintenance of their respective sanitary facilities.

However, the recently-signed law explains that the State recognizes the right of every establishment to a fair return of investment but carries with it a corresponding social responsibility to provide adequate facilities for the comfort of its clientele.

For the purpose of this new law, a passenger may just show the paid bus ticket in order to avail of the free use of sanitary facilities.

Aside from the prohibition of fee collection, RA 11311 mandates the provision of free internet, separate rooms for persons with disabilities, adequate ventilation and lighting, water supply, flush system, toilet seat with cover, lavatory with toilet paper, mirror, soap, hand drier, and an exclusive space for diaper-changing.  

A non-compliant owner, administrator or operator will be fined P5,000.00 for each day of violation while the Dept. of Transportation in coordination with the Dept. of Information Communications Technology, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Dept. of Health are tasked to carry out the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA11311.