| HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
| RECEIVED

DATE: 39 NM oor3
f a

Republic of the Philippines TIME! Y 72:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wv Ciel
Quezon City
REGISTRATION UNIT
BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

H. B. No. 206

Introduced by Congresswoman BELLAFLOR J. ANGARA-CASTILLO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Presently, the grant of student fare discounts is only through a memorandum circular of
the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB). This bill aims to put the
thrust of the circular forward by institutionalizing the grant of a fare discount privilege to
bonafide students on land, water and air transport utilities, not only during school days but also
during Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas vacations and other holidays during a school year or
school semester, whichever is applicable.

The proposed grant is envisioned to lessen the impact of the current economic
difficulties and assist parents and students in shouldering the transportation expenses relative
to the rising cost of education in our country. Majority of its intended beneficiaries belong to the
indigent, depressed and under privileged sector. Hence, they need and deserve the assistance of
the government.

Under the proposed measure, the fare discount privilege is available to students even
during Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas vacation and other holidays to enable and encourage
them to undertake researches and group studies. It is in recognition of the fact that during such
days and periods students are returning to their respective communities to assist their parents
and at the same time to get their allowances for the succeeding school week. Moreover, there
are certain students, like medical interns and those undergoing military trainings and
specialized studies, who are required to report during such days and periods.

Approval therefore is earnestly sought.

EI IR Anime

‘epresenthtive
Lone District, Aurora Province

BI
R


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE. )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

706

H. B. No.

Introduced by Congresswoman BELLAFLOR J. ANGARA-CASTILLO

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF STUDENT FARE DISCOUNT
PRIVILEGES ON LAND, WATER AND AIR TRANSPORT UTILITIES AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. Pursuant to Article XIV, Section 1 of the
Constitution, “the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at
all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” In addition,
Paragraph 3, Section 2 of said Article directs the State to establish and maintain a system at’
scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be
available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the

underprivileged.

SEC. 2, Purpose. Consistent with these Constitutional mandates, this Act aims to:

a) Toestablish a mechanism that ensures the mandatory grant of tire discount privilege
to deserving students.

b) To enlist the cooperation and/or support of transport utility owners to extend
assistance to deserving students as a social responsibility through the observance of
this grant; and

©) To encourage students, particularly the poor and underprivileged, to pursue quality

education to secure their future and make them responsible citizens.

SEC. 3. Definitions. As used in this Act, the term “student” shall refer to any Filipino
citizen, not more than thirty (30) years of age, and currently enrolled either in elementary,
secondary or collegiate institutions, including vocational and technical schools. Specifically

excluded are schools of culinary arts and short-term courses of seminar type.

The term “transport utilities” shall refer to both public and private firms/companies
duly authorized to engage in the conveyance of passengers, either by land, water or air for a
fixed rate of fees.


©) For Rail Transport Utilities: All rail transport utilities are mandate to observe the
aforesaid fare discount privilege and designate a student/senior citizen fare booth in
their boarding stations. Violation thereof shall be sanctioned or fined as indicated in

the paragraph immediately preceding (item b, above)

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of the Department of
Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall direct the attached agencies or offices
under his Department to prepare and formulate, within thirty (30) days upon approval of this

Act, the Implementing Rules of this Act.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. All provisions of laws, decrees, orders, including rules and

regulations Inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall

remain in full force and in effect,

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,


©) For Rail Transport Utilities: All rail transport utilities are mandate to observe the
aforesaid fare discount privilege and designate a student/senior citizen fare booth in
their boarding stations. Violation thereof shall be sanctioned or fined as indicated in

the paragraph immediately preceding (item b, above).

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of the Department of
Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall direct the attached agencies or offices
under his Department to prepare and formulate, within thirty (30) days upon approval of this

Act, the Implementing Rules of this Act.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. All provisions of laws, decrees, orders, including rules and

regulations Inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall

remain in full force and in effect.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,