Trucks carrying relief goods for typhoon-affected Bicol depart from the House of Representatives (PPAB)

The measure institutionalizing free freight services for the delivery of relief goods and donations to areas covered by a state of calamity has been passed on third and final reading in the House of Representatives. 

Given the House's final approval during plenary session on Tuesday, Nov. 19 was House Bill (HB) No. 10924 or the proposed “Free Transportation of Relief Goods Act".

The 300-plus strong chamber approved the bill in the backdrop of successive, destructive typhoons, the latest of which was "Pepito".

The bill, which received 182 "yes" votes during nominal voting, sought to remove a critical bottleneck in disaster response by ensuring relief goods can reach calamity-stricken areas quickly and without financial barriers. 

“This legislation creates a vital partnership between government and the private logistics sector, requiring free freight services for relief goods while providing tax incentives to participating carriers,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement shorting after the bill's third reading passage. 

“By eliminating transportation costs and streamlining the delivery process, we can ensure that aid reaches disaster victims when they need it most,” he added. 

Once enacted into law, the measure will require the National and Regional Logistics Cluster led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC), freight companies, common carriers, private carriers, freight forwarders, and other companies providing logistic services in the Philippines to provide free freight services to duly registered organizations which will provide relief operations to calamity-stricken areas.

HB No.10924 also waives shipping auxiliary costs such as arrastre services, pilotage, and other port charges, as well as airport-related fees. 

To encourage private sector participation, the bill provides a 100 percent tax deduction from gross income for the cost incurred in providing free freight services, including personnel salaries and allowances directly involved in transporting relief goods.

The National and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils, through their response clusters, shall facilitate the speedy movement of people, goods, and equipment to the affected population and responding agencies in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, port authorities, and organizations with similar mandates andresponsibilities.