ANGARA SEEKS STUDENT FARE DISCOUNTS ON ALL DAYS

A senator who is a known education advocate has some good news to the country's more than 30 million elementary, high school and college students, including those enrolled in vocational and technical schools.

Senator Sonny Angara has filed a bill that seeks to institutionalize the grant of a fare discount privilege to all students on all transport facilities, even during weekends, semester breaks, Christmas vacations and other legal holidays.

"With the increasing costs of tuition fees and many basic commodities that have burdened parents throughout the country, this is indeed one small way of helping our kids to stay in school and finish their studies," said Angara, who has filed the measure since his days in Congress.

Angara, a member of the Senate committee on education, explained that under Senate Bill No. 203, students shall be entitled to a grant of 20 percent discount on regular fares on land, sea and air transport upon presentation of their duly issued school id's, current enrollment forms or other documents to properly establish their identity.

"Most students usually undertake academic researches, projects and group study activities during weekends. This is also a good opportune time for them to go home and spend time with their families for family-related duties," he stressed, pointing out that the proposed measure likewise encourages close family relations.

At present, a mere memorandum circular (MC 2011-04) issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) serves as the basis for students to enjoy a 20-percent fare discount on public utility vehicles.

But such discount is confined only on land transport and is applicable on weekdays from June to March, and during summer classes.

If the said Senate bill is signed into law, students who are refused to avail of the fare discounts can directly submit their complaints to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

The DOTC is then tasked to promptly refer it for urgent action to one of its attached agencies: the LTFRB, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) or even the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).

The House of Representatives has already approved last month its version of a bill institutionalizing student fare discount.