Domestic travelers will now have an easier time contacting family and updating their social media accounts with the passage a law that requires transport terminals to provide free Wi-Fi to the public.
Republic Act 113111 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 17 but it was only announced to the media today.
Known as the Better Terminals Law, the law states that the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other relevant agencies have to ensure that there is free Wi-Fi in all transport terminals in the Philippines.
The law covers all terminals and stations, including those for buses, jeepney, taxis, and ships.
It also requires owners of various transport terminals, stops, and rest areas to provide clean restrooms. There must also be restrooms dedicated to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The law mandates that all restrooms should be free to use and have adequate running water, a working flush, toilet seat with cover, waste bin, mirror, diaper-changing facilities, hand dryer, soap, and a door that could be locked. In the Philippines, it is common for restrooms in public places to collect a fee.
Owners of terminals with inadequate restroom facilities will be fined PHP5,000 (US$96.41) each day of violation. Those who collect payments for restrooms will also be fined the same amount with each day of violation.
The law also requires all terminals and stops to have at least one lactation station for breastfeeding mothers and their children. It should be clean and be separate from the restrooms. Such lactation stations will be subject to random inspections conducted by the Department of Health and the DOTr.
Owners who fail to provide lactation stations in their terminals and stops will be fined PHP5,000 for each day of violation.
Senator Grace Poe, the bill’s main sponsor, asked terminal owners to implement the law in a statement released today.
“We urge the strict implementation of this law, to see to it that the internet provided is indeed free and that the restrooms can really give the travelers comfort and rest,” she said. “The overall maintenance of these facilities should also be consistent.”
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