The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes Senate Bill (SB) No. 2727 or the “Magna Carta of Commuters,” as it seeks to uphold the rights of commuters by providing inclusive, affordable, safe, and accessible public transportation for all.
This bill, introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, identifies the rights of commuters in the country, specifically the accessibility to convenient and overall better public transport for all, including persons with disabilities and those with impaired movement. It ensures safe bicycle lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and roads without obstruction for public use.
Additionally, it requires discounted fares for the disadvantaged and special groups to promote the use of public transportation more frequently. It also proposes measures for protecting commuters’ health by ensuring up-to-standard air quality levels.
SB 2727 is in line with Article 30 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Right to Adequate Standard of Living, as it promotes the undertaking of better public transportation systems that are essential for education, employment, healthcare, and the economy, among other social services.
This bill also orders the establishment of the Office of Commuter Affairs under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) at the national, city, and municipal levels. This office shall coordinate with government agencies regarding transportation policies and ensure safe travels for commuters. Specifically, it shall assist commuters regarding safety and efficiency issues, provide help desks, conduct commuter education, and guarantee legal assistance when needed, as well as the representation of commuters in public discourse.
We note the efforts made by our legislators, particularly Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, for their initiatives to institutionalise and to make public transportation more convenient and reliable for all.
In response to the appeals for safer, more efficient, and accessible transportation, CHR believes that by implementing such measures, we can improve the welfare of all Filipinos by ensuring safer infrastructures, services, and public transportation systems.
Para sa mas makataong pampublikong transportasyon!