Law Summary
Relevant Legal Framework
- The discount is provided pursuant to Republic Act No. 9257, amending RA No. 7432, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
- Section 11 of the IRR specifically requires a 20% fare discount for senior citizens on public land transportation.
- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and related regulatory bodies (LRTA, PNR, TRB, LTFRB) are tasked with enforcing this policy.
Implementation Requirements for Public Utility Operators
- Public transport operators must issue circulars or directives to ensure fare discount compliance.
- Operators are also required to disseminate information concerning senior citizens' benefits using posters, handbills, or pamphlets displayed on board their vehicles.
Identification Requirements for Senior Citizens
- To avail the discount, senior citizens must present valid identification proving their eligibility, including:
- ID cards issued by the City/Municipal Mayor, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), or barangay captain.
- Philippine passport of the senior citizen.
- Other official documents verifying Filipino citizenship and age of at least 60 years.
Specific Provisions for Taxi Services
- Taxi drivers must grant a full 20% discount on the total fare for senior citizens, irrespective of the number of companions traveling with the senior citizen.
Discount Calculation for Other Public Transport Modes
- For buses, jeepneys, and other group transport services, the 20% discount applies only to the fare corresponding to the senior citizen passenger.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Operators violating the fare discount policy face escalating fines:
- First offense: P2,500.00
- Second offense: P3,500.00
- Third offense: P5,000.00 and/or cancellation of franchise at the discretion of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Supersession and Effectivity
- This memorandum circular overrides any prior inconsistent issuances.
- It takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation, enhancing enforceability and public awareness.
Legal Authority and Adoption
- The order was officially adopted by the LTFRB Board, led by Chairman Alberto H. Suansing and Board Members Gerardo A. Pinili and Ma. Ellen Dirige-Cabatu, on April 1, 2009.
This summary captures the essential provisions, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms concerning the granting of transport fare discounts to senior citizens as mandated by the LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2009-010.