Press Release
November 10, 2021
Industry associations, advocacy groups, and members of the Joint Foreign Chambers urged the leadership of the House and Senate, in a letter dated November 4 to fast track the ratification of the reconciled version of the Bicameral Conference Committee of Senate Bill 1077 and House Bill 9030, creating the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB).
The important reform bill creating the PTSB is ready for immediate passage. With the bicameral conference committee of both chambers having been convened, the associations and foreign chambers eagerly await the ratification of the reconciled version. Once ratified by both houses the bill can finally be endorsed for enactment by the president.
The PTSB bill has languished in Congress for over two decades. Only during the current 18th Congress has this bill reached the most advanced stage in both chambers and thus now has solid prospects for enactment.
The proposed law seeks the creation of a non-regulatory and independent agency attached to the Office of the President, to be the primary agency responsible for the conduct of impartial investigation on transportation-related accidents and incidents. The main objectives of the Board are: (a) to improve transportation safety measures that will help in the prevention of transportation accidents and mitigation of dangers to human lives and property; and (b) to ensure the implementation of transportation safety standards.
Presently, different agencies handle different sectors of transportation with regard to accident investigations. The CAAP has authority over aviation disasters. Sea mishaps are under the Maritime Industry Authority which forms inquiry boards to investigate major maritime disasters. With respect to road accidents involving public utility vehicles, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has jurisdiction. Road accidents may also be investigated by the Philippine National Police, the Land Transportation Office, and by the Metro Manila Development Authority.
Once enacted, the new PTSB can commence its programs to discourage the major transportation accidents causing the lives of too many Filipinos.
Signatories to the letters are:
Air Carriers Association of the Philippines
American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
International Air Transport Association
Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc.
Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.
Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Inc.
Safe Travel Alliance