Tulfo hits back at Gwen over "ignorant" remark

During the Senate hearing, Tulfo cited Republic Act 11311, also known as the “Act to Improve Land Transportation Terminals, Stations, Stops, Rest Areas, and Roll-on/Roll-off Terminals,” which provides for improvements in these facilities and prohibits certain practices.

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Tulfo urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to inspect the terminal, noting that during his surprise visit to the CNBT, he witnessed several violations.

During the hearing, Tulfo said the first thing he noticed was that the CNBT was charging users for the toilet.

“Meron tayong batas na nagsasabing hindi dapat,” said Tulfo.

Tulfo specifically cited Sections 5 and 7 of RA 11311.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Dioscoro Reyes, who read Section 5 of RA 11311 during the hearing, emphasized that the law prohibits collecting fees from passengers for the use of regular sanitary facilities.

“It shall be unlawful to collect fees from passengers for the use of regular sanitary facilities therein. 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 provision 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 land transport terminals, stations, stops, rest areas, and RORO terminals,” Reyes read.

Tulfo explained that terminals should not charge for the use of regular toilets, but noted that the law allows charging for premium comfort rooms, provided they are separate and clearly offered as an upgraded service.

Senator Raffy Tulfo cited an example during a Senate hearing that if a comfort room is air-conditioned, passengers may be charged for its use, as it qualifies as a premium service.

However, he emphasized that a free, regular toilet must still be available to the public.