By way of constitutional fiat, it is the duty of the family to take care of its elderly members while the State may design programs of social security for them (Article XV, Section 4, Phil. Constitution)

Disabled persons are part of Philippine society, thus the State shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society. Disabled persons should be the concern of everyone, the family, community and all government and non-government organizations (Sec. 2, RA 7277).

Today's students have a special and particular stake on how we shape the future. They are earmarked, if properly developed, to positively superintend and manipulate the hereafter. The needs of the children, elderly and the disabled should be accorded utmost priority. (Article XIII, Section II, Philippine Constitution).

In the light of the foregoing pronouncements, this Board wishes to re-state, reiterate and modify its policy on the grant of FARE DISCOUNTS, to the elderly, disabled persons and the students.

ALL PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLES (Except Trucks for hire, and School Transport Service) are mandated/required to give a FARE DISCOUNT TO ELDERLY, DISABLED PERSONS and STUDENTS (cannot avail of fare discount) in the amount equivalent to 20% of the authorized fare (or the regular/normal fare being collected in the case of Airconed Buses).

GUIDELINES FOR FARE DISCOUNTS TO THE ELDERLY

I. Coverage

ELDERLY, otherwise recognized as Senior Citizen shall refer to any resident citizen of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old, including those who have retired from both government offices and private enterprises, and has an income of not more than sixty-thousand pesos (P60,000.00) per annum (as defined in RA 7432).

So ordered.

II. Use/Availment

The elderly or senior citizen availing of this privilege should present their senior citizen ID provided or issued by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) established by the Local Government Units (LGU).

GUIDELINES FOR FARE DISCOUNTS TO DISABLED PERSONS

I. Coverage

DISABLED PERSONS are those suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for human beings (adopted how RA 7277)

II. Use/ Availment

Disabled persons availing of this privilege should present the ID cards issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or The National Council for the Welfare of the Disable Persons (NCWDP).

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT FARE DISCOUNTS

I. COVERAGE

STUDENTS, 21 years old and below, enrolled in elementary, secondary and collegiate schools including academic, vocational and technical schools duly recognized by the government, except those of short term courses of seminar type.

II. USE/AVAILMENT

Students availing of this privilege should present their student ID cards or registration papers both duly validated by their schools bearing their pictures with their names and schools therein indicated.

III. EFFECTIVITY

Students entitled to the student fare discount can avail of their privilege on a YEAR-ROUND BASIS, that is from Monday to Sunday and even when they are on school break or vacation.

Violations hereof (failure to extend discounts to Elderly, Disabled Persons and Students) shall be subject to the following penalties to be imposed by the Board on the operator (even if committed by the driver or conductor on the principle of "respondiat superior") to wit:

  1. First offense ------------------------------ P 3,000.00
  2. Second offense ---------------------------- P 5,000.00
  3. Third Offense ------------------------------ Suspension of CPC for sixty (60) days
  4. Fourth Offense ------------------------------- Cancellation of the CPC

The penalties imposed for the violation of this Memorandum Circular shall be independent and without prejudice to the sanctions and penalties imposed for violations of RA 7432 (An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation - Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and for Other Purposes) and RA 7277 (An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation, Self-Development and Self-Reliance of Disabled Persons and their Integration in to the Mainstream of Society and for Other Purposes).

All operators covered and affected by this are REQUIRED to post a copy of this Memorandum Circular at a conspicuous place in their terminals and in all their public utility vehicles.

This Memorandum Circular supersedes any and all issuances inconsistent herewith and shall take effect fifteen (15) days after filing of three (3) copies hereof with UP Law Center, pursuant to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 11, dated 09 October 1992.

Adopted: 15 Dec. 2003

(SGD.) MARIA ELENA H. BAUTISTA   Chairperson
(SGD.) FELIX S. RACADIO   Board Member	(SGD.) REMEDIOS G. BELLEZA   Board Member