Capitol backs bill vs. fees for CR use

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board has passed a resolution commending Congress for the passage of House Bill (HB) 725 that prohibits the collection of fees from passengers for the use of sanitary facilities located in the land transportation terminals, stations, stops and rest areas.

Provincial Board Member Thadeo Jovito M. Ouano, who authored the resolution, said the provincial government throws its full support for the passage of the bill by lauding Congress for the act, which will reportedly benefit the riding public.

“If you remember, South Bus Terminal has a P5 terminal fee. Kung sa middle class, okay ra ni, pero how about the poor passengers?  Bug-at na kaayo ni. That’s why ni-support jud ko ani nga bill to lessen the burden of the travelling public, especially the less fortunate,” Ouano said.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the proposal to forbid the collection of fees from the passengers or commuters for the use of sanitary facilities in land transportation terminals.

This proposal is included in HB 725, authored by the late Mountatin Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, that was lobbied pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 856 or the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines.

PD 856 focuses on the health of people, which gives importance on people’s health and that all efforts of public services should be directed towards the protection and promotion of health.

As provided for under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of PD 856, rest areas, bus terminals, bus stops and service stations shall have adequate and clean sanitary facilities for male and female for the use of the traveling public and personnel in properly located areas. Toilet facilities should also be accessible for the personal necessities of the customers and the personnel.

This includes ample areas to prevent overcrowding of motor vehicles and travelers, enough ventilation and lighting and away from sources of nuisance, safe and adequate water supply, and sufficient number of comfort rooms and other auxiliary facilities.

Furthermore, the resolution said that the operators of the bus terminals are mandated to do proper operation and maintenance of such toilet facilities.

The bill also declares the right of every establishment to a fair return of investment carried with a corresponding social responsibility to provide satisfactory facilities for the comfort of its customers.

Moreover, the bill mandates that it is unlawful for the owner, operator, or administrator of land transport terminals, stations, stops, and rest areas to collect fees from passengers for the use of regular sanitary facilities, which carries a fine of P5,000.

In order to avail of the free use of the sanitary facilities, the concerned passenger just need to present the paid bus ticket for the day. —/GAN (FREEMAN)