THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure prohibiting bus companies from collecting fees for the use of sanitary facilities in bus terminals, stops and rest areas.
House Bill (HB) 5067, principally authored by National Unity Party Rep. Maximo Dalog of Mountain Province, provides that it shall be declared unlawful for the owner, operator or administrator of land- transport terminals, stations, stops and rest areas to collect fees from passengers for the use of sanitary facilities.
HB 5067 refers to sanitary facilities that include at least a combination of comfort room, handwashing and drinking facilities.
A rest area refers to a facility at a strategic point along the national highway or route of traveling public that is provided with parking space, restaurants or snack bars, other business shops, recreational facilities, service stations, public restroom facilities or waiting sheds for travelers or commuters.
“For the purpose of this act, the concerned passenger must show the paid bus ticket for the day in order to avail of the free use of sanitary facilities. Provided, however, that the provisions of this act shall not apply to separate, well-appointed or deluxe sanitary facilities that are operated solely for commercial purposes and for the convenience of passengers who require and prefer such facilities within a terminal, stop, station or rest area,” the bill said.
It also provides that any owner, operator or administrator of land-transport terminals, stations, stops and rest areas who violated the act shall be liable for a fine of P5,000.
Meanwhile, Dalog asked the Senate to pass its own version of the bill, saying this would stop bus-terminal owners and bus operators from exploiting their passengers.
He said that there have been mounting complaints from his constituents against the imposition of fees for the use of toilets when this should be part of the service for its passengers.
“What’s even more disturbing is the fact that many pay toilets are quite filthy,” Dalog said.
Meanwhile, coauthors of the bill include Liberal Party Reps. Cesar Sarmiento of Catanduanes and Amado Bagatsing of Manila; National Unity Party Rep. Gavini Pancho of Bulacan; Nacionalista Party Rep. Raneo Abu of Batangas; Nationalist People’s Coalition and Assistant Majority Leader Xavier Jesus Romualdo of Camiguin; Liberal Party Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua of Quirino; and Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon of Kabataan.
Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz