THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Wednesday issued a stern warning to public utility vehicle drivers and operators who refuse to grant the mandatory 20-percent student fare discount during weekends and holidays.

LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the agency has received multiple reports that some PUVs have been denying discounts during long weekends and even during recent class suspensions.

He stressed that such practices violate existing law and the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to uphold student welfare.

“The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount to students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled,” Mendoza said, referring to Republic Act 11314, or the Student Fare Discount Act. Section 4 of the law requires that the discount be available throughout the student’s enrollment period, including weekends and holidays.

Mendoza emphasized that the same rule applies to senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who are likewise entitled to fare discounts.

Under RA 11314, PUV drivers who violate the policy may face up to a three-month suspension of their driver’s license and a ₱1,000 fine per offense. PUV operators may be fined up to ₱15,000 and could even have their Certificate of Public Convenience revoked.

“Kaya umayos kayo dahil kung hindi, ako mismo ang aayos ng mga kaso laban sa inyo para hindi lang kayo magmulta kung hindi mawalan kayo ng prangkisa,” Mendoza warned.

The LTFRB chief also urged students to report violators by calling the LTFRB hotline at 0956-761-0739 or messaging the agency’s official social media accounts.

“All you have to do is properly document it, and we will take care of the rest,” he assured.