MANILA — The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) has urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help standardize and enforce the implementation of government-mandated discounts in ride-hailing apps. 

In a statement, the commuters group said this came after “numerous reports from concerned passengers” regarding the alleged failure of these apps in implementing the special discounts for  students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. 

“The CFC underscores that the lack of standardization and oversight in discount implementation makes it more challenging for Filipino students, senior citizens, and PWD commuters to access the discount,” said Ira Panganiban, the group’s chairperson.

“As digital ride-hailing continues to gain traction in the Philippines, the CFC emphasizes the urgent need for the LTFRB to scrutinize all ride-hailing platforms meticulously,” Panganiban said.

“By spearheading the standardization of discount applications, the LTFRB can ensure equitable access to mandated discounts and uphold the rights of Filipino commuters,” he added. 

LTFRB chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III told ABS-CBN News that ride-hailing apps must implement the discounts, emphasizing that there are laws regarding it. 

These discounts, according to the official, are governed by different laws.

- RA 9994 - Expanded Senior Citizen Act - 20 percent - RA 11314 Student Fare Discount Act - 20 percent - RA 10754 An Act Expanding the Benefits of PWDs - 20 percent.

“Mayroong batas diyan. We don’t need to issue a rule kasi standard sa batas ito,” Guadiz said in a phone interview. 

“There is already a law passed by Congress so we don’t have to come up with any regulation. All we have to do is to implement the law,” he added.

Guadiz also warned ride-hailing apps regarding the matter.

“Panawagan na kung ano ang batas na ipinasa ng Kongreso, ipatupad nila. Mismong Kongreso na ang nagpataw ng alituntunin regarding these [special discounts],” he added. 

Laban TNVS National Director Jun de Leon earlier said it is clear from the LTFRB guidelines that transport network companies must shoulder the 20 percent discount for senior citizens and PWDs before they are given accreditation. 

Meanwhile, a  drivers' group said during a Senate hearing on Tuesday that drivers, not the company, shoulder the 20 percent discount given to persons with disability, senior citizens, and students.