The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is poised to issue a memorandum circular mandating all transportation network companies (TNCs) to shoulder the 20-percent discount for persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, and students. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is poised to issue a memorandum circular mandating all transportation network companies (TNCs) and operators to shoulder the 20-percent discount for persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, and students.
jackpot 777LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III disclosed this information during Tuesday’s hearing of the Senate committee on public services, following queries from panel chair Sen. Raffy Tulfo amid reports that TNC drivers currently assume the 20-percent discount.
Article continues after this advertisement“Based on your studies, how about we ask the companies to fully shoulder these discounts?” Tulfo asked in Filipino, to which Guadiz answered in the affirmative.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO ‘Show of force’: 1.8M join INC peace rally NEWSINFO House appropriations panel head steps down NEWSINFO Acop: What do you need 20 guns for?“Yes, we are now drafting a memorandum circular, which will be implemented this February, where all of the discounts will now be shouldered by the operator and the owner of the app,” the LTFRB chief said.
“In this case, for example, Grab, TNC Grab, or the owner of the vehicle should shoulder the discount, but definitely the driver should not be included in the equation. The driver should not shoulder anything,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Grab warns surge charge cut will reduce drivers’ income
Article continues after this advertisementDuring the hearing, Guadiz also cited that of the 20-percent discount for seniors, PWDs, and students, Grab Philippines presently shoulders 40 percent while Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) operators assume the remaining 60 percent.
Article continues after this advertisementJoyride Philippines, on the other hand, shoulders 80 percent of the 20-percent discount while Angkas assumes the entire 20 percent.
TNVS group head Saturnino Ninoy Mopas revealed before the Senate panel in December 2024 that drivers have begun shouldering the discounts.
Article continues after this advertisement“For the past years, TNC has shouldered the 20 percent [discount] for PWDs, seniors, and students. But starting this year, I’m not entirely sure which month, but drivers began shouldering it,” Mopas said in Filipino then.
READ: LTFRB: Grab PH may face franchise suspension over discount issue
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.
But Guadiz said that should not be the case, maintaining that all TNCs must assume the 20-percent discount.
“That’s the law we have been implementing here in LTFRB and we are bound by that law because before they are given the franchise, that memorandum circular is already there,” Guadiz explained.
During Tuesday’s Senate hearing, Tulfo asked the LTFRB chief if it was possible to refund drivers and operators who had shouldered the discounts.
“That’s part of our hearing, sir, and we will be coming up with a resolution by the end of this month and in no chances we will agree with your conclusion,” Guadiz replied.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
For Tulfoapex gaming88, it appears that TNC owners are fooling their riders since there’s an existing LTFRB memorandum circular indicating that TNCs must shoulder the discount and not the drivers.
READ NEXT Some solons looking for endorsers to expedite VP Duterte’s i... Cops arrest ‘high-value’ trafficker with P1.3-M sh... EDITORS' PICK Philippine AI regulations and its high-tech future Ex-BFAR execs post bail for VMS-related graft raps US or China? Asian economies may have to pick a side Probe launched on Sinulog sa Dakbayan propsmen throwing rocks Tyson Fury, former heavyweight champion, retires from boxing again EDITORIAL: ‘Security theater’ in PH elections MOST READ Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as it reverses open-door policy Rep. Quimbo to be acting House appropriations head – Velasco Kach Umandap sets record: First to visit all 193 countries with PH passport House appropriations panel head steps down Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments