By EJ Roque/PNA
MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed a law abolishing the Road Board and allowing the disposition of funds from the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC).
Under Republic Act 11239 signed by Duterte on March 8 and released to the media on Tuesday, the MVUC collections will be used “solely” for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects.
“All monies collected under this Act shall be remitted to the National Treasury under a special account in the General Fund to be earmarked solely for the construction, upgrading, repair, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and road drainage to be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act,” the law read.
The new law mandated the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to assume the functions, powers, and obligations of the Road Board and absorb the needed employees.
Aside from DPWH, the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Transportation are also directed to promulgate the rules and regulations for the implementation of RA 11239.
Duterte has always repeated his call for the abolition of the Road Board, which he tagged as “milking cow” for corruption.
The President earlier said he wants to prioritize the Bicol Region in flood control projects once the funds from the Road User’s Tax are diverted.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said part of the funds from the Road User’s Tax will be used to rehabilitate the Manila Bay, among other projects.
