Magna Carta for Public Transportation Drivers

Senate Difier of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES A10:13 26 MAR 25 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 2018 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT CREATING THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS, PROMOTING THEIR RIGHTS, WELFARE, AND SOCIAL PROTECTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Public transportation is a vital component of the economy, providing commuters with a convenient and more affordable means of reaching their destinations compared to owning private vehicles.! In Metro Manila, 70% of In Metro Manila, an estimated 70% of Filipinos rely on public transportation, underscoring its significance in the country. Despite its importance, however, challenges persist-particularly for public transportation drivers. Many drivers lack adequate access to social protection and essential benefits, highlighting the need for the State to recognize their critical role in national mobility and overall development. 3 In this regard, the proposed legislation seeks to establish a Magna Carta for Public Transportation Drivers to institutionalize their contribution to national progress and safeguard their fundamental rights. The measure aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of transport workers by ensuring equitable 1 NARBONETA, Chelcie & Tenomo, Kardi. (2016). A Study of Metro Manila's Public Transportation Sector: Implementing a Multimodal Public Transportation Route Planner. Asian Transport Studies. 460-477. 10.11175/eastsats.4.460. 2 Peña, K. D. (2021, October 29). Sensible public transport: A post-pandemic dream / Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1507740/sensible-public-transport-a-post-pandemic-dream 3 Manahan, J. (2026, February 14). Most TNVS drivers say they have access to social protection, benefits - study | ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/2/14/most-tnvs-drivers-have-access- to-social-protection-benefits-study-1511

compensation, access to social insurance, workplace safety, and opportunities for professional development. Furthermore, it serves as a critical regulatory framework to protect drivers during the transition under the Public Transport Modernization Program, ensuring that no worker is left behind amid structural reforms in the transport sector. By upholding the dignity of labor, the bill guarantees that the modernization of the country's transit system remains inclusive, humane, and responsive to the needs of those who depend on it for their livelihood. In addition, the measure promotes a just transition by providing safeguards against displacement, access to retraining and capacity-building programs, and opportunities for integration into modernized transport systems. Through these provisions, the bill not only supports the welfare of drivers but also strengthens the sustainability and resilience of the public transportation sector as a whole. In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this legislation is earnestly sought. 00- JV EJERCITO

Senate Office of the secretaty TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 MAR 25 A10:13 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2018 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT CREATING THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS, PROMOTING THEIR RIGHTS, WELFARE, AND SOCIAL PROTECTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Magna Carta for Public

2 Transportation Drivers.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 recognize the vital role of public transportation drivers in national development and to 5 promote their rights, welfare, safety, and dignity. The State shall adopt measures that ensure decent working conditions, job security, access to social protection, training, 7 and participation in decision-making processes affecting the transport sector.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all public transportation drivers,

9 including but not limited to drivers of jeepneys, buses, taxis, UV Express vans, and 10 other land-based public utility vehicles, whether operating under traditional or 11 modernized fleet systems.

Sec. 4. Rights and Benefits of Public Transport Drivers. - Public transport

13 drivers shall enjoy the following rights and benefits: a) The right to a fair and livable minimum wage; b) Mandatory coverage under the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and the Pag-IBIG Fund; c) Access to retirement and other social insurance benefits;

d) The right to safe and healthy working conditions, including regular physical and mental health check-ups; e) The right to self-organization and to collectively negotiate with the government, operators, or other entities, free from political interference or favor; f) Access to legal aid for work-related cases through government legal services; g) Protection against unfair termination or arbitrary reduction of work or routes without due process; h) The right to grievance redress mechanisms to address concerns with employers, operators, or government agencies.

Sec. 5. Employment Contracts. - All public transport drivers shall be entitled

13 to written and formal employment contracts that specify work terms, compensation, benefits, work hours, rest periods, and grievance procedures. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall issue the minimum standards for such contracts.

Sec. 6. Profit-Sharing Mechanism. - A fair profit-sharing scheme between

17 drivers and operators shall be developed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), 18 in consultation with stakeholders. The scheme shall ensure equitable income for 19 drivers while balancing the sustainability of transport services.

Sec. 7. Social Protection During Modernization. - The DOTr, in coordination

with DOLE and relevant government agencies, shall ensure job security for drivers affected by the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. Displaced drivers shall be: a) Given priority for reassignment or reemployment within modernized fleets; b) Provided financial and livelihood support; c) Assured of non-discriminatory rehiring practices by consolidated entities.

Sec. 8. Driver's Welfare Fund. - There shall be established a Driver's Welfare

Fund, to be administered by the DOTr, sourced from government appropriations. The 30 Fund shall be used exclusively for: a) Emergency assistance to drivers; b) Health care and mental health support;

c) Training programs; d) Legal assistance; e) Crisis response during emergencies or pandemics.

Sec. 9. Training and Skills Development. - All public transport drivers shall be

5 entitied to free or subsidized access to skills training, upgrading, and certification programs through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other accredited providers. Such programs shall include road safety, customer service, digital literacy, and 9 emerging technologies in transport systems.

Sec. 10. Occupational Health and Safety. - The DOLE, in coordination with the

11 Department of Health (DOH), shall enforce occupational health and safety standards 12 in the transport sector. Public transport drivers shall undergo: a) Annual physical and mental health check-ups; b) Workplace safety orientations; c) Free vaccinations and health services during public health emergencies.

Sec. 11. Grievance Mechanism. - The DOTr, in coordination with DOLE and

17 concerned LGUs, shall establish a grievance mechanism to address and resolve 18 complaints raised by public transport drivers, including issues involving violations of 19 this Act, labor disputes, abuse, and safety concerns.

Sec. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from

21 the effectivity of this Act, the DOTr, DOLE, and other concerned agencies shall issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in consultation with transport associations, labor groups, civil society, and the private sector.

Sec. 13. Appropriations. - The initial funding for the implementation of this Act

shall be sourced from the current budget of concerned implementing agencies. 26 Thereafter, the necessary amounts shall be included in the annual General 27 Appropriations Act.

Sec. 14. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and 30 effect.

Sec. 15. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations

inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

5 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,