THE Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) will have yet to comply some provisions on the law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte requiring all transportation terminals and stops across the country to provide free internet services and clean sanitary facilities to passengers.
Duterte signed Republic Act 11311 on April 17 but was only published last week.
The law mandates the Department of Information and Communications Technology in coordination with the Department of Transportation and other concerned stakeholders to ensure that free internet is provided in transportation stations, stops, rest areas and roll-on/roll-off (Roro) terminals.
The law also states that operators of transport and Roro terminals should also provide clean sanitary facilities for passengers, including: separate restrooms for persons with disabilities, male and female passengers; adequate ventilation and lighting; safe, adequate and running water supply; flush system; toilet seat with cover; lavatory with toilet paper, mirror, soap, hand dryer and door lock; waste bin;
and exclusive space for diaper changing.
DCOTT head Aisa Usop said she is confident that the city terminal has already complied most of the law's provision prior to its signing.
"Timely katong atong newly constructed comfort rooms na naka-separate ang pambabae og pambabae. We also have CR para sa PWD (The signing of the law was timing with our newly constructed restrooms wherein male and female are sepatrated. We also have restrooms for PWDs)," Usop said.
She also said the terminal has a waiting area and passengers lounge.
She also said prior to her assumption in the DCOTT terminal in 2016, an existing lactating or breastfeeding room is already in place.
However, she said the terminal is still going to comply with the "free Wi-Fi" inside the terminal.
"Naay project ang City Government na tanang government offices naa (The City Government has actually a project requiring all local government offices to have an access to free Wifi)," Usop said, adding she will be discuss it with the DCOTT board.
Meanwhile, she ordered the stoppage of collection in the terminal's restrooms right after the law was signed.
However, she said the board will also have to discuss the compliance of the law in van terminals since it is also under DCOTT jurisdiction.