Background of the National Transport Policy (NTP) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)

The absence of single encompassing policy document for the transport sector has manifested recurring challenges, including, among others, (a) the lack of integrated and coordinated transport network; (b) overlapping and conflicting functions of transport agencies; (c) transport safety and security concerns; and (d) inadequate transport facilities particularly in conflict-affected and underdeveloped areas. Pending the passage of policies requiring legislative action, it was deemed necessary that policy changes and reforms that can be administratively undertaken under existing laws be adopted and implemented to respond to the urgent transport demands and requirements of the national economy.

A product of an extensive study and consultation process, the NTP was formulated to help achieve the Transport Vision of a “safe, secure, reliable, efficient, integrated, intermodal, affordable, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and people-oriented national transport system that ensures improved quality of life of the people”. The NTP, as embodied in NEDA Board Resolution No. 5 s. 2017, “Approving the National Transport Policy”, was adopted by the NEDA Board on 27 June 2017. It was published in general circulation on 14 February 2018.

Pursuant to Section 11 of the NEDA Board Resolution No. 5 s. 2017, the the NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM), through the Inter-Agency Technical Committee on Transport Planning (IATCTP), was tasked to formulate and issue the accompanying IRR to effectively carry out the provisions of the NTP. The IRR contains the guidelines and methodologies in the operationalization of the strategies and intended policy reforms in the transport sector towards the realization of the Transport Vision. The INFRACOM, during its 14 December 2018 meeting, approved and adopted the NTP IRR (INFRACOM Resolution No. 01-2018, “Approving the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Transport Policy”). The IRR was published in general circulation on 30 December 2019.