PROPOSED RESOLUTION

TO REQUEST CONGRESS TO ENACT A LAW DEVOLVING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS THE POWER AND FUNCTION TO ISSUE FRANCHISES ON LAND TRANSPORTATION

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Introduced by Hon. Peter T. Laviña

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WHEREAS, Section 2 of the Local Government Code states “It is hereby declared the policy of the State that the territorial and political subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. Toward this end, the State shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization whereby local government units (LGUs) shall be given more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources. The process of decentralization shall proceed from the national government to the local government units.

WHEREAS, the LGC mandates that LGUs undertake basic services, including adequate transportation, for the general welfare of its constituents;

WHEREAS, a number of regulations for transportation had been devolved to LGUs including franchising of tricycles and small sea crafts; However, franchising of land transportation such as for jeepneys, taxis and buses remained with the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) more than a decade since the enactment of the Code;

WHEREAS, LGUs know best the actual situation of the land transportation needs in their localities, and therefore the power and function to issue franchises should be properly given to them;

WHEREFORE premises considered, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, to request Congress to enact a law devolving to local government units (LGUs) the power and function to issue franchises on land transportation.

RESOLVED further that copies of this Resolution be furnished the City Mayor, the City Legal Officer, the three District Representatives of the city, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Department of Transportation & Communication, the LTFRB, the Department of Interior & Local Government, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and all others interested for their information and support.