FOREIGN BUSINESS groups on Monday called on legislators to complete the ratification of a measure creating the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB), which has been reported out by the Bicameral Conference Committee tasked with reconciling the Senate and House bills.
Members of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) were referring to Senate Bill 1077 and House Bill 9030. The JFC is a coalition of the US, Australia-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese, and South Korean chambers and Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Inc.
“Once enacted, the new PTSB can commence its programs to discourage and reduce major transportation accidents taking the lives of too many Filipinos,” American Chamber Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe said in a statement.
The PTSB, which will be attached to the Office of the President, will be the primary agency in charge of investigating transportation-related accidents and incidents.
The creation of the board is intended to reduce the danger to human life and property from transport operations and ensure compliance with transportation safety standards.
“The PTSB bill has repeatedly been filed since 2004 and has languished in Congress for almost two decades,” the JFC said.
“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,” it added.
The JFC also noted that currently, various agencies handle their own segments of the transportation sector when investigating accidents.
“The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has authority over aviation disasters. Sea mishaps are under the Maritime Industry Authority which forms inquiry boards to investigate major maritime disasters,” it noted.
“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.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
