Senate bill seeks to empower LGUs to build their own mass transport systems
A bill seeking to allow local government units (LGUs) to develop their own mass transportation system has been filed at the Senate.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in filing Senate Bill No. 951 or the proposed LGU Transportation Act, said it is high time that LGUs are empowered to create their own mass transportation system and address mobility concerns in the country.
“Because an efficient transport system is critical in attracting investors and generating economic activities, we should empower our LGUs to establish their own mass transportation systems,” Gatchalian said, in filing the bill which primarily seeks to amend certain provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991.
Gatchalian also said authorizing LGUs to develop their mass transport system is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.
UNSDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable through access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems.
Given the traffic problem in urban areas in the country, the senator said the measure seeks the interconnectivity and integration of existing and proposed national and local intermodal transportation systems.
The bill also promotes the creation of a framework for the implementation of a multi-LGU infrastructure transportation projects.
If passed into law, Gatchalian said LGUs can create sustainable state-of-the-art mass public transportation systems with the concept of livable smart cities through various financial capabilities and arrangements involving both private and public entities, even without sovereign guarantee.