THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) recently issued a statement endorsing Senate Bill (SB) 2727, the Magna Carta for Commuters bill, which enumerates the rights of public transit commuters and has the expressed objective to provide inclusive, affordable, safe and accessible public transportation for all. We agree with the CHR's assessment of the measure; the proposed law is vital to the country's efforts to create efficient and effective public transportation systems.

SB 2727, introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in July, is a sweeping measure covering virtually all aspects of public transportation development and regulation, and setting forth provisions to promote active transport, mainly bicycling and walking, by requiring that adequate and safe infrastructure for those be created and maintained. The bill would also create an Office of Commuter Affairs within the Department of Transportation to address commuter complaints and inquiries.