Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a stern warning to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to uphold the 20-percent student discount even during weekends and holidays. Failure to comply may lead to fines or even the revocation of their franchise.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II highlighted the rising number of complaints about PUVs not honoring the discount during long weekends and during recent class suspensions. This warning aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard student welfare. The same discount policy applies to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Chair Mendoza emphasized, “The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount to students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled.” This is in reference to Republic Act 11314, also known as ‘An Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation.’ According to Section 4 of the law, the fare discount should be available during the entire enrollment period, including weekends and holidays.

The penalties under the law are stringent. PUV drivers could face up to a three-month suspension of their driver’s license and a PHP1,000 fine for each offense. Meanwhile, operators risk a maximum fine of PHP15,000 and the revocation of their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

Mendoza further cautioned, “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,” underscoring that non-compliance could lead to severe consequences, including loss of franchise.

He urged students to report any violations by erring PUVs through the LTFRB hotline at 0956-761-0739 or their official social media platforms. “All you have to do is to properly document it, and we will take care of the rest,” Mendoza assured.