PRRD abolishes Road Board

measure abolishing the corruption-tainted Road Board has finally been signed into law by President Duterte.

Republic Act No. 11239 transfers the rights, assets and liabilities of the abolished Road Board to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The law also provides that motor vehicle user's charge (MVUC) collection will be remitted to the National Treasury.

The new law which was signed by the President last March 8 was released by the Palace Tuesday.

"The Road Board created by Republic Act No. 8794 is hereby abolished," the law read.

Duterte has backed the abolition of the Road Board to address corruption in the agency and streamline government services. The board was empowered to implement the management and use of the funds collected from motor vehicle owners.

Under RA 11239, the DPWH will absorb the employees of the abolished Road Board without diminution of their salaries and other benefits. Employees separated from service as a result of the abolition will receive separation benefits.

"The DPWH shall, by virtue of this Act, be subrogated to all the right and assume all the obligations and liabilities of the Road Board," the law read.

"All records, property, assets, equipment and funds of the Road Board, including unexpended appropriations or allocations shall be transferred to the DPWH," it added.

On the disposition of the MVUC, all funds shall be remitted to the National Treasury under a special amount in the General Fund. It will

be earmarked solely for the construction, upgrading, repair and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, road drainage to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

A congressional oversight committee will also be created to monitor the implementation of the law and the use of the special funds.

The Secretaries of the Department of Budget and Management, DPWH, and Department of Transportation have also been directed to promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the law and ensure the wise and efficient use of the special funds.

The law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)