Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2100)
Before commencing work on any section or district of the railroad line, the railroad corporation must file with the Supervising Railway Expert a map or plan and profile showing the course, direction, length, and grades of the line in that section, along with an explanatory statement about the route and general conditions. This must be approved by the Philippine Commission.
The Philippine Commission must approve the map, plan, and profile of the railroad line filed by the railroad corporation, based on the Supervising Railway Expert's report.
The railroad corporation is required to construct and maintain necessary bridges and crossings to ensure public communication is not interrupted. They must also put up appropriate danger notices and, where indicated by the provincial or municipal boards with the Supervising Railway Expert's approval, put gates or station guards at particularly dangerous crossings.
The provincial board of the province or the Municipal Board of the city of Manila, with the approval of the Supervising Railway Expert, can direct the railroad corporation to place gates or station guards at dangerous crossings.
The railroad corporation must notify the Supervising Railway Expert in writing that the line or part thereof is ready for the safe conveyance of passengers and freight. Then, the Supervising Railway Expert or his assistant will inspect the roadway, bridges, tunnels, locomotives, and rolling stock. If found satisfactory and safe, a certificate will be issued to the Secretary of Commerce and Police to authorize opening.
The Supervising Railway Expert, or his assistant, certifies the safety of the railroad line after inspection, and then the Secretary of Commerce and Police authorizes the opening of the line.
Other railroad lines authorized by the Government of the Philippine Islands may cross the roadway and right of way of any railroad corporation in a manner determined by the Supervising Railway Expert with the Secretary of Commerce and Police's approval, provided full compensation is paid for any damage caused to the crossed track.
The maximum speed is 32 kilometers per hour within city limits and through centers of population of any municipality, although municipal councils may set a lower limit.
Yes, the company may appeal to the Supervising Railway Expert, who will either confirm the municipality’s speed or set a different limit not exceeding 32 kilometers per hour.
The Supervising Railway Expert approves railroad maps and plans before construction, inspects railroads before opening for public use, directs safety measures at crossings, determines crossing conditions for other railroads, and arbitrates speed limits set by municipalities.