LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao regional director lawyer Teresita Yñiguez expects mixed reactions from public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators once the LTFRB amended memorandum circular 2005-014 takes effect come October 28.
The amended memorandum provides that the elderly, disabled, and students may avail of the 20-percent discount in fares not just from Monday to Friday, but also on Saturdays and Sundays, regular and special holidays and even summer breaks.
In a phone interview on Tuesday, October 24, Yñiguez said "we are expecting it (negative reactions), but they can't do anything about it since it's the law."
Ruel Palero, a PUJ driver of a Sasa route multicab, said, although the amended memorandum might cause a reduction in his income but he is still agreeable to it.
"Naa man pud gud koy anak na ga-eskwela unya daghan pud ni silag mga related sa eskwelahan nga activity labi na kada Sabado ug Dominggo, so isip usa ka ginikanan, malipay pud ta anikay at least mumenos akong ihatag nga pliti (I have a child who is studying and they usually have school-related activities especially during Saturday and Sunday. So as a parent I am happy for this, at least my expenses for his fare will be lessened),” he said.
Inecito Arendain, a jeepney driver for 10 years already, just shrugged off his shoulders when told about the amended memorandum circular of LTFRB.
"Naa na o wala na gahatag naman ko og discount gyud kada adlaw kay muingon man sila 'estudyante nong'! (Whether there's an amended memorandum or none I have been giving the students a discount because the students will always ask for it),” Arendain said.
Yñiguez, moreover, advised the passengers to report to their office any violations committed by PUV drivers, indicating the date and time the violation happened, the plate number of the vehicle and the violation the driver committed.
She also asked the help of the press in circulating the amended memorandum so that the commuters and drivers may be aware about it.