A media personality involved in the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) has called on the government to step in and help drivers absorb the costs of shouldering the discounts extended to differently abled, senior citizens and students in response to complaints that transport network vehicle services (TNVS) drivers purposely avoid picking up passengers with special discounts, as well as reports of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers refusing to honor the special discounts.
“As beneficiaries of special discounts, together with senior citizens and students, we believe that these discounts are more than just a policy—they are a recognition of our unique needs and part of efforts to ease the challenges our respective sectors face,” said PWD advocate Paolo Capino.
Capino explained, however, that he recognizes “the significant challenges faced by our drivers and operators” and understands that “rising fuel costs, heavy traffic and the difficulties of making ends meet have placed a strain on their livelihoods.”
“We believe that the effective implementation of these discounts can be aided by extending assistance to those tasked with its application. In this light I urge the government to step in and provide tangible support for drivers and operators to ease the impact of providing these discounts,” said the PWD advocate.
Capino, a radio commentator for DZRH, pointed out that “incentives such as fuel subsidies, in the form of gas cards or tax relief programs, can help ensure compliance with the law while protecting the earnings of our hardworking transport sector.”
“We call on transport operators and drivers to continue honoring the law, and on the government to work hand-in-hand with them to create a fair and workable solution.”
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recently warned drivers and operators of PUVs such as taxis, buses, jeepneys, as well as TNVS to honor the mandatory 20-percent discount for senior citizens, PWDs and students.
A 20-percent fare discount is required for senior citizens and PWDs under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, and RA 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, respectively. Students are likewise entitled to a similar discount, based on LTFRB memorandum circulars.
These discounts are shouldered by drivers and operators as mandated by law.
