The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday reminded public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators that the 20-percent student fare discount must be honored at all times, including weekends and holidays, warning that violators will face fines or even franchise revocation.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II issued the statement following reports that some PUVs refused to grant student discounts during long weekends and recent class suspensions. He said the directive is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instruction to protect the welfare of students.
Mendoza stressed that fare discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities are covered by the same policy.
“The law is very clear. Students must receive the discount even during holidays, as long as they are enrolled,” he said, citing Republic Act 11314, or the Student Fare Discount Act. Section 4 of the law states that the benefit applies throughout the entire enrollment period, including weekends and holidays.
Under the law, PUV drivers may face a three-month license suspension and a ₱1,000 fine for each violation. Operators may be fined up to ₱15,000 and risk the revocation of their Certificate of Public Convenience.
“Kaya umayos kayo dahil kung hindi, ako mismo ang aayos ng mga kaso laban sa inyo,” Mendoza warned, emphasizing that repeat offenders may lose their franchise.
The LTFRB urged students to report erring PUVs through its hotline, 0956-761-0739, or via its official social media pages. “All you have to do is document the incident properly, and we will take care of the rest,” Mendoza said.
