SafeTravelPH Gains Accreditation as CSO, Advocating Inclusive Public Transport in Budget Deliberations
- TSE
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
SafeTravelPH, a multidisciplinary non-government organization eager to explore and help solve transportation issues through open-data systems and long-term partnerships, has been officially accredited by the House of Representatives as a Civil Society Organization (CSO) to take part in the 2026 national budget deliberations. The accreditation allows the group to bring more commuter voices and data-driven recommendations directly into the country’s budget process and advocate for a fairer share of budgeting for public transport.
The House Task Force on People’s Participation (TFPP) and the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department led the accreditation process, with SafeTravelPH pledging to support “a more inclusive and transparent budget process” and to champion greater investment in public transport systems.
In a position paper to Congress, SafeTravelPH highlights the sharp underfunding of public transport:
The Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) is set to receive only ₱1.232 billion in 2026—down from 2025 levels and far below the needs of the country’s 20.8 billion annual passenger trips.
The Service Contracting Program, which supports jeepney and bus drivers, will get just ₱1.3 billion, down from ₱7 billion in 2022—equivalent to only ₱0.13 per passenger trip per year.
By contrast, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was intially given ₱880 billion (prior reprogramming/realignment work by Congress), which will surely include more road-widening and car volume-based projects.
“This imbalance undermines equality, worsens congestion, and exposes low-income communities to unsafe and unreliable mobility,” the group warns in its paper.
SafeTravelPH has urged the Congress to redirect even a fraction of the DPWH budget—5% or around ₱44 billion—toward programs that benefit commuters. Its proposals include:
Increase service contracting funds to stabilize driver incomes and guarantee reliable service, especially during disasters.
Provide fair modernization support by subsidizing e-jeepneys and lowering the steep monthly amortization costs for small operators.
Strengthen local route planning (LPTRP) through grants, digital tools, and technical assistance for cities and municipalities.
Open transport data and involve citizens by making real-time GPS and ridership information accessible to researchers and the public.
With CSO accreditation secured, SafeTravelPH participates directly in congressional hearings, submit evidence-based proposals, and work with legislators to prioritize commuters in the 2026 budget.
SafeTravelPH invites commuters, transport workers, and concerned citizens to stay engaged as budget deliberations unfold, underscoring that every peso redirected to public transport strengthens equity, productivity, and climate resilience.
