Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City \

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

850

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Alfredo D. Vargas III

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

The granting of student fare discounts in the recent times are authorized
only through a circular issued by the Land Transportation and Franchising
Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In this measure, this representation seeks to institutionalize the grant of a
fixed fare discount to qualified students on land, water and air transportation
utilities throughout the year, except during transitional period, i.e, summer vacation.

This bill seeks to address economic concerns and the alarming rate of school
drop-outs. This will alleviate the burden of the parents and guardians in the
financial support given to the students with due consideration to the continued rise
in the cost of education in the country, including their incidental expenses, e.g.
transportation costs.

Said fare discount privilege will be made available to qualified students even
during Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas vacation and other holidays to inspire our
students to engage in academic, extra-curricular and civic activities during these
days. In this scenario, we can expect holistic growth of our students, our hope for
the future. Due consideration is also given to those students undergoing internships,
trainings and other activities covered by their curricula.

This measure is an effort and initiative of the Honorable Juan Edgardo
Angara, Senator of the Republic, while he was on his term as Representative of the
Lone District of Aurora.

Approval therefore is highly recommended.

Al DG D. VARGAS III

/



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 850

Introduced by Representative Alfredo D. Vargas III

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 the House of Representatives 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, students loan programs,
subsidies, and other incentives, which shall be available to deserving students in
both public and public schools, especially to the underprivileged.

SEC. 2. Purpose. Consistent with these Constitional 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
c). 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 school. 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 duty issued school Identification Cards (IDs) or current
validated enrollment forms supported by other document/s 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 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, to wit.

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%4 offense, three (3) months for the 3 offense; and for subsequent
violations, a three months suspension of license, plus a fine of One Thousand
Pesos (Php1,000.00) 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 Five
Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) for the 1% offense; Ten Thousand Pesos
(Php10,000.00) for the 2 offense; Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php20,000.00) for the
3e1 offense; and Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) for each subsequent
violation.

c). 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 follows: One Thousand Pesos (Php1,000.00) for the 1* offense; Five Thousand
Pesos (Php5,000.00) for the 2° offense; Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) for


the 3° offense; and Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) for each subsequent
violation.

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 effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,