Law Summary
Definition of Terms
- Lactation station: private, clean, ventilated room for nursing mothers to breastfeed or express milk.
- Land transport terminal/station: permanent stopover or station for public utility vehicles serving passenger loading/unloading.
- Land transport stop: common stopover area along highways for public transport in long-distance travel.
- Rest area: facility with parking, dining, shops, recreation, service stations, and restrooms for travelers.
- RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) terminal: terminal for the RORO transport system.
- Sanitary facilities: includes comfort rooms and hand-washing facilities as detailed in Section 4.
Provision of Free Internet
- Aligns with Republic Act No. 10929 (Free Internet Access in Public Places Act).
- DICT, in coordination with DOTr and stakeholders, ensures free internet in all land transport facilities.
- Owners/operators are responsible for efficient and speedy implementation.
Standards for Sanitary Facilities
- Facilities must provide:
- Separate restrooms for PWDs, males, and females.
- Adequate ventilation and lighting.
- Safe and running water supply.
- Flush system and toilet seats with covers.
- Lavatories with toilet paper, mirrors, soap, hand dryers, and door locks.
- Waste bins.
- Exclusive diaper-changing spaces.
- Compliance with Presidential Decree No. 856 (Code on Sanitation) is mandatory.
- DOTr and government agencies will conduct random inspections to ensure compliance.
Prohibition on Collection of Fees to Access Sanitary Facilities
- Charging fees for the use of regular sanitary facilities is unlawful.
- Passengers must present a paid bus ticket dated the same day to avail facilities for free.
- Deluxe, commercial sanitary facilities are exempted from this prohibition.
Lactation Station Requirements
- Establishment of at least one lactation station separate from general sanitary facilities.
- Must be clean, compliant with Republic Act No. 7600 and RA No. 10028 (Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act).
- DOTr, DOH, and other agencies will perform random inspections for compliance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Failure to meet sanitary facility standards: fine of P5,000 per day.
- Collecting fees unlawfully from passengers: fine of P5,000 per day.
- Not providing lactation stations: fine of P5,000 per day plus penalties under the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act.
- LTFRB to review fines five years after enactment and every five years thereafter for possible adjustments with DOTr approval.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DOTr, in coordination with DICT, LTFRB, DOH, Philippine Ports Authority, and stakeholders, must issue implementing rules within 60 days from the law’s effectivity.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, or executive orders are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The law takes effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or two national newspapers of general circulation.