Definition of Terms
- Lactation station: A private, clean, sanitary, and well-ventilated area for nursing mothers to wash, breastfeed, express, and store milk.
- Land transport terminal/station: Passenger stations or permanent stops for public utility vehicles, also serving as passenger loading/unloading zones.
- Land transport stop: Common roadside places for public vehicle stopovers on long-distance routes.
- Rest area: Facilities along highways providing parking, food outlets, shops, recreation, service stations, and restrooms for travelers.
- RORO terminal: Terminal within the Roll-On/Roll-Off system for vehicle and passenger embarkation/disembarkation.
- Sanitary facilities: Includes restrooms and hand-washing stations meeting specified standards outlined later in the Act.
Provision of Free Internet
- Free internet access must be provided in transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas, and RORO terminals.
- DICT, together with the DOTr and other stakeholders, is responsible for ensuring implementation.
- Owners, operators, and administrators must facilitate speedy, efficient realization of this service.
Standards for Sanitary Facilities
- Separate restrooms for persons with disabilities (PWDs), males, and females must be provided.
- Facilities must have adequate ventilation, lighting, and running water supply.
- Must include flush system, toilet seat with cover, lavatory with toilet paper, mirror, soap, hand dryer, and lockable doors.
- Provision for waste bins and exclusive diaper-changing spaces required.
- Compliance with the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 856) is mandatory.
- DOTr and relevant agencies to conduct random inspections to ensure adherence.
Prohibition on Charges for Sanitary Facilities
- Charging passengers fees to use regular sanitary facilities is prohibited.
- Passengers must show paid bus tickets for the day to avail free access.
- Exception: Deluxe or commercial sanitary facilities may charge fees if separate from regular facilities.
Lactation Station Requirement
- At least one lactation station must be established, separate from sanitary facilities.
- Must comply with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 and its implementing rules.
- DOTr, DOH, and other agencies will conduct inspections to monitor compliance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Failure to meet sanitary facility standards (Section 4) results in a fine of PHP 5,000 per day of violation.
- Illegal collection of fees for sanitary facility access (Section 5) attracts the same fine per day.
- Non-provision/maintenance of lactation stations (Section 6) incurs a daily fine of PHP 5,000 and sanctions under the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act.
- LTFRB to review penalties every five years for possible adjustments with DOTr Secretary approval.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DOTr, coordinating with DICT, LTFRB, DOH, Philippine Ports Authority, and other stakeholders, must issue implementing rules within 60 days from the Act’s effectivity.
Repealing Clause
- All existing laws, decrees, executive orders, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two national newspapers of general circulation.