The Philippine transportation system is characterized by systemic challenges, having some of the world’s worst traffic congestion, poor public transport quality, and among the least walkable cities. The study investigates the root causes of the country’s land transport issues associated with transport governance. Through a review of local and international transport governance policies and practices, and consultations with government, civil society, and academe, issues in Philippine land transport governance are explored at the institutional level. The following issues in Philippine land transport governance were revealed: poor institutionalization of people-oriented transport policies and programs; and inconsistent transport policy, project development and implementation related to fragmented coordination between government agencies. The research proposes two recommendations that attempt to reform Philippine land transport governance by rationalizing existing national transport institutions and empowering local transport governance, as well as exploring the establishment of a unified national transportation institution similar to those practiced by neighboring developed countries.