(UPDATE) THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to issue a memorandum circular by the end of January to standardize the implementation of special discounts for students, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens across ride-hailing platforms in the Philippines.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III made the announcement during a recent Senate Committee on Public Services hearing chaired by Sen. Raffy Tulfo.
Guadiz said the initiative aims to resolve inconsistencies stemming from conflicting memoranda previously issued, which led to uneven application of discounts by Transport Network Companies (TNCs).
Guadiz acknowledged lapses in the current system and assured the public that the forthcoming guidelines would address these gaps.
“As of now, we have to admit there is no legislation specifying how the cost of these discounts should be distributed. This is an oversight on our part, and we apologize for it. However, we are committed to rectifying this by the end of this month. Rest assured, we will ensure the proper implementation of these guidelines,” he said.
Several motorcycle taxi riders go to the Senate in Pasay City on Jan. 14, 2025 to ask for the help of Sen. Raffy Tulfo whose Public Service Committee is deliberating on the long-delayed Motorcycle Taxi Bill. The group of riders, led by Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines, is promoting the legalization of the industry. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Several motorcycle taxi riders go to the Senate in Pasay City on Jan. 14, 2025 to ask for the help of Sen. Raffy Tulfo whose Public Service Committee is deliberating on the long-delayed Motorcycle Taxi Bill. The group of riders, led by Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines, is promoting the legalization of the industry. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Several motorcycle taxi riders go to the Senate in Pasay City on Jan. 14, 2025 to ask for the help of Sen. Raffy Tulfo whose Public Service Committee is deliberating on the long-delayed Motorcycle Taxi Bill. The group of riders, led by Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines, is promoting the legalization of the industry. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Under the new memorandum, TNCs and operators will be designated as the primary entities responsible for shouldering the costs of these special discounts. This provision aims to protect drivers from bearing the financial burden, ensuring that the discounts are implemented equitably and efficiently.
Grab Philippines welcomed LTFRB’s move with its head of public affairs, Gio Tingson, expressing support.
“Grab has consistently backed initiatives to provide proper discounts to passengers while supporting government efforts to enhance public transportation policies. We appreciate LTFRB’s leadership and Senator Tulfo’s efforts in finalizing these guidelines,” Tingson said.
Also, the Coalition of Filipino Commuters lauded the development. Its chairman, Ira Panganiban, highlighted the importance of standardization in ensuring compliance and fairness.
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