he Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauded a proposed Senate measure to uphold the rights of commuters by providing inclusive, affordable, safe and accessible public transportation for all.
It welcomed Senate Bill No. 2727 or the Magna Carta of Commuters introduced by Senator Jinggoy Estrada identifying the rights of commuters, specifically the accessibility to convenient and overall better public transport for all, including persons with disabilities and those with impaired movement.
The bill ensures safe bicycle lanes, sidewalks, intersections and roads without obstruction for public use.
Moreover, it requires discounted fares for the disadvantaged and special groups to promote the use of public transportation more frequently and protect commuters’ health by ensuring up-to-standard air quality levels.
The CHR said this is in line with Article 30 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Right to Adequate Standard of Living while promoting the undertaking of better public transportation systems that are essential for education, employment, healthcare and the economy.
“We note the efforts made by our legislators, particularly Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for their initiatives to institutionalize and to make public transportation more convenient and reliable for all,” it stressed.
“In response to the appeals for safer, more efficient, and accessible transportation, CHR believes that by implementing such measures, we can improve the welfare of all Filipinos by ensuring safer infrastructure, services and public transportation systems,” the Commission said.
