THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday warned drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) to honor the 20-percent student discount even during weekends and holidays, or else face fines or even revocation of their franchise.
In a statement, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said there hav been complaints that some PUVs do not honor the discount during long weekends and in recent class suspensions.
The warning was in line with President Marcos’ instruction to ensure the welfare of students.
He said the same policy applies to fare discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
‘The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount to students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled,’ Mendoza said.
He referred to Republic Act 11314, or ‘An Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation.’
Section 4 of the law states, ‘The fare discount granted under this Act shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.’
Under the law, the maximum penalty for PUV drivers is a three-month suspension of the driver’s license and a P1,000 fine for each offense.
On the other hand, PUV operators face a maximum fine of P15,000 and revocation of their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
‘Kaya umayos kayo dahil kung hindi, ako mismo ang aayos ng mga kaso laban sa inyo para hindi lang kayo magmulta kung hindi mawalan kayo ng prangkisa [That’s why you must follow the law because if you don’t, I will personally file a case against you so that you’ll not only be fined, but you will lose your franchise],’ Mendoza said.
He called on students to file a complaint against erring PUVs through the LTFRB hotline 0956-761-0739 or through their official social media accounts.
‘All you have to do is to properly document it, and we will take care of the rest,’ he said.