By Charmaine A. Tadalan
Reporter
THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the bill institutionalizing the grant of the 20% student fare discount in public transportation.
With 169 affirmative votes and zero negative, the chamber approved House Bill No. 8885, or the “Student Fare Discount Act,” which is currently only enforced through a Memorandum Circular issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The bill defined students as any “Filipino citizen enrolled in elementary, secondary, technical and vocational, or higher education institution,” but excludes those enrolled in post graduate degree courses and informal short-term courses.
The bill covers all modes of public transport, such as public utility buses, jeepneys, trains, tricycles, aircraft and marine vessels, among others.
However, it will not cover school service, shuttle service and tourist service.
As a relief for public transportation utility operators, the bill provided reduction or exemption from regulatory fees and charges to mitigate the impact of the discount.
On top of this, the bill also allowed operators to claim the granted discount as tax deduction.
Meanwhile, operators or drivers who refuse to impose the discount will be penalized with suspension of driver’s license of up to three months and fined P1,000 up to P20,000.
