A BILL seeking to guarantee safe, reliable, and dignified commuting for Filipinos was filed to ease the burden of daily commuters and users of public transportation.
Rep. Nathaniel “Atty. Nat” M. Oducado in the House of Representatives of 1Tahanan Partylist filed HB 8748, entitled “The Dignity in Commuting Act,” establishing a Magna Carta for commuters, creating a National Office of Commuter Affairs, and setting clear standards for safe, affordable, and efficient public transportation.
“Many commuters today face unsafe roads, long waits, and uncomfortable travel, and this daily struggle affects their health, livelihood, and dignity,” Oducado said. “Public transportation is a public service. It should not feel like a daily punishment for commuters.”
The bill also mandates better infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, safer roads, real-time commuter information, and compensation for passengers affected by transport service breakdowns.
“This measure ensures that every Filipino, especially workers, students, and vulnerable sectors, can travel safely, quickly, and without unnecessary hardship,” Oducado said. “Increasing the quality of public transport would also encourage car-users to opt for commuting. This could help decongest our city roads and lessen accidents, pollution, and heavy traffic.”
According to the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group and reported by national media, road crash fatalities increased by 35% in 2024 while air pollution levels continue to exceed safe limits set by global health standards, putting millions of commuters at risk every day.
“Our goal is simple: no Filipino should suffer just to get to work, school, or home, because dignified commuting is a basic right, not a privilege,” he added.
