Mandatory posting of passenger’s bill of rights pushed

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu Third District Representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia has filed a bill mandating the posting of passenger’s bill of rights in areas in air and seaports where the public can easily view them.

As “dreaded scenes” like very long lines in air and seaports, delayed and cancelled flights, passengers being bumped off, and delayed or lost baggage return together with passenger travel, Garcia in a statement said current measures to ensure travellers’ rights need to step up.

House Bill 3654 or the Informed Passenger Act was filed  on August 16, 2022.

The proposed measure bolsters administrative orders already previously issued by the former Department of Transportation and Communication (now Department of Transportation) and the Maritime Industry Authority by mandating that “clear, usable, concise and easy to understand” copies of passengers’ list of rights be posted areas like in ticket offices, check in counters, departure waiting lounges, boarding gates and baggage claim areas”.

The same information is also to be posted in online platforms of all persons and companies operating air and sea ports, passenger carriers and all others engaged in the transportation business.

It also tasks the DOTr to conduct a regular nationwide information campaign through all forms of media, including social media about passengers’ bill of rights.

HB 3654 also provides a penalty of P100,000 to P500,000 for violators adding that In the case of publicly-operated airports and seaports, the general manager shall be principally liable.

Garcia added that the bill aims to “improve the quality of service and upgrade passenger experience” both in air and sea travel. — JMD (FREEMAN)