Policemen, soldiers get 20 percent fare discount on buses

NOT SO FAST The new minimum fare for jeepneys and buses has been approved, but drivers cannot charge commuters yet until the updated fare matrix is out.—NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — A memorandum of agreement has been signed between the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and other government agencies, giving police personnel a 20 percent discount on passenger buses.

Under the memorandum signed Monday, active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will get a 20 percent discount on both provincial and city buses.

Present during the signing were LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III; representatives from the AFP, PNP, and PCG;  and other stakeholders.

“We owe the peace and order and national security of our country to their inspiring service,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.

To avail of the discount, uniformed personnel are required to present a valid ID as proof of active service.

The discount will be effective starting Monday, Feb. 11, and will be reviewed one year later.

The privilege given to uniformed personnel is a directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to honor them. /cbb