Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

H.B.No.__ 90

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

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 schoo! 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. “

- i
JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M, ANGARA
Representative
Lone District, Province of Aurora



FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE .
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

H.B.No.__ a0

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

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) To establish 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,

articularly 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

SEC. 4. Privilege of Students. The bonafide students under this Act shall be entitled to


a grant of twenty percent (20%) discount on regular fares upon presentation of their duly issued
school Identification Cards (IDs) or current validated enrollment forms supported by other
documents to properly establish identity. Said fare discount shall be available during the entire
school year for elementary and secondary students, during the semester for college students,
and during the duration of a course for vocational or technical students, including Saturdays,
Sundays, Holidays, and Christmas vacations.

SEC. 5. Coverage. This Act shall cover all bonafide students, except those specifically
excluded therefrom as defined in Section 2 hereof.

SEC. 6. Filing of Complaints and/or Violations and Penalties. Students who are

refused to avail of the privilege under this Act may file their complaints with the Office of the
Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) which shall direct the

concerned board/authority/office, as herein identified, fo wit.

a) The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for land
transportation utilities;

b) The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for sea/water transportation utilities;

©) The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) for air transportation utilities;

d) The Legal Service, DOTC, for rail transportation facilities, including the Light Railway
Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) projects.

SEC. 7. Penalties. After due investigation and findings the complaint to be true and
valid, the following penalties shall be imposed as herein specified:

a) For Land Transportation Utilities: Suspension of license for the erring driver,
conductor or inspector for one (1) month for the 1" offense; two (2) months for the
2" offense; three (3) months for the 3° offense; and for subsequent violations, a
three- month suspension of license, plus a fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P50) for
each violation of the erring party.

b) For Water and Air Transport Utilities: A fine shall be imposed against the erring
firms/establishment or their authorized agents in the amount of One Thousand Pesos
(P1,000) for the 1" offense; Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000) for the 2” offense; Three
Thousand Pesos (P3,000) for the 3% offense; and Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) for
each subsequent violation

©) 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,