LTFRB urged: Stop collection of CR fees in bus stops, stations

By Erlindo Ocay Agwilang

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Pending the deliberations at the House of Representatives in relation to House Bill 1226, the committee on transportation has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue a memorandum circular directing bus companies within LTFRB’s jurisdiction not to charge passengers service fees for the use of comfort rooms and sanitary facilities in bus terminals, bus stops and rest areas.

This development arose after Mountain Province Rep. Maximo B. Dalog filed said bill at the Lower House prohibiting collection of fees from passengers for the use of comfort rooms and service facilities located in bus terminals/bus stations, bus stops and rest areas for motor vehicles.

Dalog in his sponsorship speech said it is the bounden duty of bus companies/bus operators to afford these facilities as provided in Section 54, Chapter 17 of Presidential Decree 886, otherwise known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.

He added that such is likewise mandated under Article 1755 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines stating that a common carrier is bound to carry the passengers safely as far as human care and foresight can provide using utmost diligence of very cautious persons, with due regard for all circumstances.

Dalog believes that this provision includes the comfort rooms and other sanitary facilities to be used for free by passengers because it forms part of the obligation of the service provider.

“The collection of fees is definitely an added burden to passengers and makes travel around the country more costly,” he said.

During the hearing of the transportation committee on June 11, 2014, LTFRB and bus operators were invited to air their position on the proposed law.

Saying that it had no objections on the measure, the LTFRB suggested bus companies to opt for accredited meal stops so that they can impose on their own to these restaurants not to collect fees or donations for the use of their CRs. Rico Villaluna of Philtranco shared the same position of the LTFRB and said their company does not collect fees from passengers as they consider the same as part of the contract of carriage. 

The proposed measure penalizes violators of misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine of not less than P1,000 but more than P10,000 for each violation. 

Meanwhile, the committee on transportation has formed a technical working group chaired by Dalog to study further  nuances of said measure before it is presented for approval.

The LTFRB, Department of Transportation and Communications, bus operators and companies were likewise asked to submit their respective position papers for consideration by the TWG.