The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to strictly comply with the law granting students a 20% fare discount, even on weekends, holidays, or during class suspensions.
The reminder was issued under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, following complaints that some public transport providers were not giving the discount during long weekends or periods of suspended classes.
According to LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, Republic Act 11314, or the “Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation,” clearly mandates the benefit.
Section 4 of the law states: “The fare discount… shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.”
“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, noting that this is part of President Bongbong Marcos’ directive for students.
He added, “So we are reminding the operators and drivers again to strictly follow the law. Kung wala man kayong anak o kamag-anak na estudyante, lahat tayo dumaan sa buhay-estudyante.”
Mendoza also warned that he would not hesitate to have violators arrested.
“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,” he said.
Under the law, a PUV driver may have their license suspended for up to three months and be fined ₱1,000 per violation. Operators may face fines of up to ₱15,000 and risk revocation of their Certificate of Public Convenience.
Mendoza urged students to file complaints with the LTFRB through the hotline 0956-761-0739 or the agency’s social media accounts.
“All you have to do is to properly document it and we will take care of the rest,” he said.
He also called on other eligible groups, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities, to report violations.