Soldiers, cops, PCG get bus fare discount

MANILA, Philippines — Personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will now enjoy a 20-percent discount on bus fares.

This comes as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and 13 city and provincial bus companies yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the fare discount for personnel on active duty.

They need only present a valid ID as proof of active service to avail themselves of the 20-percent discount.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra said the MOA formalizes the former benefits given by some bus companies to uniformed men and women.

“We formalized what is already happening on the ground in some places. The reception from bus operators is good,” Delgra told reporters.

He noted, however, that the discount is not mandatory and that bus companies are only encouraged to give out the benefit “as an impression of goodwill.”

Since the discount is not mandatory under a memorandum circular, unlike discounts for students and persons with disabilities, bus companies would not be penalized for non-compliance.

The LTFRB said that the special discount for active personnel was a directive of President Duterte to honor the men and women who give their lives for the country.

The DOTr said the move is “in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of the men and women who risk their lives to safeguard our country.”

“In line with the President’s directive, this is our way of giving back to our soldiers, policemen and Coast Guard servicemen who secure our nation and protect the Filipino people. We owe the peace and order and national security of our country to their inspiring service,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The special fare discount for all uniformed personnel of the AFP, PNP and PCG shall remain effective indefinitely and will be reviewed after one year, according to the DOTr. – With Evelyn Macairan