President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law giving 20 percent discount to students on different kinds of transportation.
The Republic Act 11314 was signed on April 17, which provides 20% student discount for all kinds of public transportation like buses, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, trains, marine vessels, and aircraft.
However, the law does not cover school service, tourist service, and any similar service covered by contract or charter agreement and with valid franchise or permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Students should be enrolled during those time to avail the discount. They need to present their latest student I.D or any documents that would prove that they’re enrolled in the present school year.
“A student under this Act shall be entitled to a grant of 20% discount on domestic regular fares, upon personal presentation of their duly-issued school identification cards (IDs) or current validated enrollment form, supported by the prescribed government-issued identification document, subject to an appropriate verification mechanism to be provided in the implementing rules and regulations,” the law read.
The President signed the said bill into the law to “encourage students, particularly the poor, and underprivileged, to pursue quality education to secure their future and make them responsible citizens.”
PUV owners that would refuse to give a discount to the students under the new law will face penalties including suspension of driver’s license, fines ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP15,000, and the cancelation of their certificates of public convenience.
Senator Sonny Angara who co-authored the bill expressed his happiness over the decision of the President to sign it.
“This is a year-round benefit that students can avail so they can have discounted fares whenever they want to go home to their families, even during holidays,” Angara said.
“Malaking tulong ang mga diskwento na ito para sa mga mag-aaral. Ang matitipid na pera sa pamasahe at iba pang gastusin ay maaaring gamitin ng estudyante sa ibang bagay,” he added.