New bill seeks overhaul of Philippines transport system amid worsening traffic woes

Akbayan files House Bill 9862 creating MOBICOMM to review mobility policies and push long-term reforms as commuters face rising congestion and travel costs.

A new proposal in Congress is seeking to address hours lost to traffic, crowded commutes, and rising transport costs by looking beyond short-term fixes and examining the country’s transport system in a more holistic way.

Akbayan Party-list has filed House Bill No. 9862, which seeks to create the Congressional Commission on Road Mobility, or MOBICOMM, that would conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s transport and mobility policies and recommend long-term reforms.

The proposal was developed with the Move As One Coalition, whose members include transport advocates, commuters, and local government representatives.

Supporters of the measure argue that many of the country’s mobility problems stem from fragmented governance, overlapping responsibilities among agencies, and decades-old policies that prioritize vehicles instead of people.

Rather than focusing on individual projects or isolated issues, MOBICOMM would instead study how laws, institutions, planning, regulation, and public investments shape the everyday experience of commuters, transport workers, cyclists, pedestrians, and persons with disabilities.

If approved, the commission would function similarly to EDCOM, a body credited with generating major education reforms, with supporters hoping a similar approach could lay the groundwork for lasting changes in transportation.

Advocates behind the measure say the country’s mobility problems have become more apparent amid recurring fuel price shocks and increasing travel expenses, with many Filipinos spending more time and money to get to work, school, or essential services.

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