The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its full support to Senate Bill (SB) No. 2727, the proposed law on Magna Carta of Commuters, which would uphold the rights of commuters by providing them with inclusive, affordable, safe, and accessible public transportation.
The bill was introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada. It identifies the many rights of commuters in the country -- particularly the accessibility to convenient and overall better public transport for persons with disabilities and those with impaired movement.
Under the bill, commuters would also be provided with discounted fares alongside others who are disadvantaged or those belonging to special groups.
At the same time, the bill seeks to ensure safe bicycle lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and roads without obstruction for public use. Also, the bill seeks to ensure that all public transport have up-to-standard air quality levels.
In a statement, the CHR said that SB 2727 is 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.
It said the bill also seeks to set up the Office of Commuter Affairs under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) at the national, city, and municipal levels. The office will then coordinate with government agencies regarding transportation policies and ensure safe travels for commuters, it also said.
"We note the efforts made by our legislators, particularly Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for their initiatives to institutionalise and to make public transportation more convenient and reliable for all," it added.
"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," it stressed.