House OKs bill granting students 20% fare discount

MANILA, Philippines - The House committee on transportation has approved a bill granting students 20 percent fare discount on all kinds of public transportation utilities, including train systems during school days.

Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, chairman of the panel, said the measure seeks to address economic concerns of students and their parents, and reduce the number of school dropouts.

“This will alleviate the burden of parents and guardians in the financial support given to students, with due consideration to the continued rise in the cost of education in the country, including their incidental expenses such as transportation costs,” Sarmiento said.

He said students aged 30 and below must present their school-issued identification card or validated enrollment form supported by any document establishing their identity to avail themselves of the discount.

Quezon City Rep. Alfredo Vargas III, one of the authors of the bill, said the fare discount is envisioned to inspire students to engage in academic, extra-curricular and civic activities during non-school days.

“Due consideration is given to students undergoing internships, training and other activities covered by their curricula. Through this proposal, we can expect holistic growth of the students,” he said.

Under the measure, students who are refused the fare discount privilege may file complaints with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for public utility vehicles, except tricycles.

Complaints against erring tricycle drivers can be coursed through local government units.

Complaints can also be filed with the Maritime Industry Authority and the Civil Aeronautics Board for air and water public transportation utilities.

Those riding the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit 3 can file their complaints with the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Drivers who refuse to grant students a fare discount will face suspension of their driver’s license for one month for the first offense; two months for the second offense, and three months for the third offense plus a fine of P1,000 for each subsequent offense.

The owner or operator of the land transportation utility will be fined P1,000 for every violation.