The proposed Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB) bill has experienced a complex legislative journey marked by approvals, vetoes, and renewed efforts for its establishment. The PTSB aims to serve as an independent agency responsible for the impartial investigation of transportation-related accidents across all modes — land, air, sea, and rail.
Legislative Progress and Presidential Veto
In June 2022, the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the bill establishing the PTSB, reconciling provisions from House Bill 9030 and Senate Bill 1077. The proposed agency was envisioned to ensure a safe, efficient, and dependable transportation system in the country.
However, in July 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed the bill, citing redundancy with existing functions of other government agencies. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles explained that the responsibilities outlined for the PTSB were already being performed by agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Despite the veto, lawmakers have continued to advocate for the creation of the PTSB. In August 2022, Senator Grace Poe filed Senate Bill No. 1121, known as the “Philippine Transportation Safety Board Act,” aiming to establish an independent body to conduct thorough investigations of transportation accidents and provide critical recommendations. The bill emphasizes the need for an agency dedicated solely to transportation safety, separate from regulatory and operational functions.
Senator Poe reiterated the importance of the PTSB following incidents such as the New Year’s Day air traffic shutdown and recent air crashes, highlighting the necessity for expedited investigations and accountability to prevent similar tragedies.
In July 2024, Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid introduced Senate Bill No. 2739, echoing the call for the establishment of the PTSB. As of 31 July 2024, this bill remains pending in the committee.
Support from Business Groups
The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), along with the Safe Travel Alliance (STA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have expressed support for the creation of the PTSB. Following the air traffic system glitch at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in January 2023, these groups urged Congress to reconsider and approve the bill, emphasizing that current investigations are fragmented across multiple agencies, leading to inefficiencies.
As of February 2025, the proposed Philippine Transportation Safety Board has not been established. The legislative process continues, with bills pending in various stages of consideration. The ongoing advocacy from lawmakers and business groups underscores the recognized need for an independent body dedicated to transportation safety in the Philippines.
The establishment of the PTSB remains a critical issue, with stakeholders advocating for a unified and proactive approach to transportation safety across all modes of transport in the country.