Poe wants free internet for commuters

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Grace Poe has filed a bill seeking to provide free internet access and clean sanitary facilities in land transportation terminals, pit stops, stations and rest areas all over the country to give commuters relief from traffic and other situations.

“An efficient and functional inter-province transport system is essential to ensure that Filipinos travel safety,” Poe said in filing Senate Bill 1695.

“In particular, rest stops are indispensable for those travelling by land, as they provide a brief pit stop for travelers and bus drivers. This is important for Filipinos who travel more than eight hours,” she added.

The measure mandates owners, operators and administrators of transportation terminals to coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology in the installation of hardware and necessary facilities to ensure the provision of free internet to the passengers.

The measure also tasked the provision of free and clean sanitary facilities for commuters. The Department of Transportation will conduct inspections to ensure compliance by the establishments.

The establishments are prohibited from collecting fees from passengers for the use of the restroom facilities.