STUDENTS are now entitled to a 20 percent discount on all public transportation costs, after President Rodrigo Duterte signed a new law that establishes a mechanism for a "mandatory grant of a student fare discount privilege."

Republic Act (RA) 11314 or the Student Fare Discount was inked by Duterte on April 17, but a copy of it was released by Palace just on Tuesday, July 16.

Students, at present, are entitled to a 20 percent fare discount only on land transportation. But with the new law, students can now enjoy the 20 percent fare discount on all public transportation utilities like buses, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, trains, aircraft, and ships, among others, provided that they present their school identification cards or current validated enrollment form.

"The fare discount granted under this Act shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays," RA 11314 read.

"In a case where a promotional fare, as approved by the concerned regulatory agency, is granted by a public transportation utility operator, the student shall have the option to choose between the promotional fare and the regular fare less the discount, as provided under this Act," it added.

RA 11314 notes that that the application of fare discount does not cover school service, shuttle service, tourist service, and any similar service covered by contract or charter agreement and with valid franchise or permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

It also states that the privilege cannot be claimed, if the student claims for a higher discount as may be granted by the public transportation utility, or under other existing laws.

A student who is refused to the fare discount privilege may file a complaint before the LTFRB for land transportation facilities, the Maritime Industry Authority for water transport utilities, Civil Aeronautics Board for air transport facilities, the Legal Service of the Transportation department for trains, and the Office of the Local Chief Executive for tricycles. (SunStar Philippines)