MANILA – Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar has introduced House Bill No. 9345, which aims to provide free freight services for the transportation of emergency goods to areas under a state of calamity. This bill is part of the effort to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of relief during disasters.
According to Philippines News Agency, the bill, also known as the proposed Free Transportation of Relief Goods Act, is designed to remove the financial burden of freight costs on relief organizations during calamities. The measure would require the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and other relevant agencies to coordinate with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) and logistic service providers to offer free transportation of emergency goods. The bill also mandates that auxiliary shipping costs, including arrastre services and port charges, be waived for relief operations. The NDRRMC would provide security and traffic management to ensure the efficient delivery of relief materials. Villar emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector during calamities, highlighting that the proposed legislation would strengthen the spirit of bayanihan and ensure prompt support to affected families. The DOTr, through various boards and authorities, would be responsible for implementing the measure, aiming to alleviate the conditions of those in need and facilitate recovery efforts in disaster-stricken areas.