The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) is calling for uniform implementation of government-mandated discounts for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) across all digital ride-hailing platforms.
The group expressed concern over the varying ways in which transport network companies (TNCs) apply these discounts.
Services like Grab, InDrive, Angkas, Maxim, Joyride, and Move It are reportedly not all offering the mandated discounts in a consistent manner.
Some platforms even fail to provide the discount option in their apps at all, which the CFC sees as a clear violation of the law.
Ira Panganiban, chairperson of the CFC, emphasized that the lack of uniformity in discount implementation is making it harder for Filipino students, senior citizens, and PWDs to benefit from the discounts.
“The inconsistency not only undermines the intended financial relief but also complicates the verification process,” Panganiban stated.
He added that this inconsistency could also lead to fraudulent claims, potentially affecting the earnings of drivers.
The call for change comes after LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III spoke out at a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
Guadiz confirmed that TNCs are prohibited from requiring drivers to shoulder the mandated discounts.
This statement came after Sen. Raffy Tulfo urged Grab to review its policy, which previously placed the responsibility for the discounts on partner drivers.
TNCs like Grab charge a platform fee of 20% to 30% per booking, adding another financial burden on drivers who were already expected to absorb the discount.
The LTFRB has previously issued guidelines under Memorandum Circular No. 2017-024, which mandates a 20% fare discount for students, senior citizens, and PWDs on ride-hailing services.
The policy is designed to provide economic relief to these groups and make transportation more accessible.
The CFC is urging the LTFRB to step up monitoring efforts and impose penalties on companies that fail to follow the discount laws.
The group also recommends creating a standardized system for applying the discount to make it easier for eligible commuters to access these benefits without facing unnecessary obstacles.
In response to these concerns, the LTFRB has pledged to increase oversight of TNCs to uphold full compliance with the discount regulations.
The agency plans to carry out more frequent audits and engage in discussions with TNC operators to address any issues with how discounts are being applied.
Commuters who experience difficulties accessing the discounts are encouraged to report these issues to the LTFRB’s official channels.
The LTFRB’s goal is to protect the rights of students, senior citizens, and PWDs, making sure they get the discounts they are legally entitled to.
The CFC continues to advocate for the rights of all Filipino commuters, pushing for a fairer and more inclusive transportation system that serves everyone.