The self-styled Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) has called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to enforce a consistent and standardized approach to the government-mandated discounts for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) across all digital ride-hailing platforms in the Philippines.
The appeal comes after multiple reports from commuters and a wave of social media posts revealing discrepancies in how discounts are applied by popular transport network companies (TNCs) like Grab, InDrive, Angkas, Maxim, Joyride, and MOVE IT. Some platforms allegedly fail to offer the discounts on their apps altogether, while others apply them inconsistently.
According to the CFC, the lack of standardization and oversight is causing significant difficulty for eligible commuters to access the benefits. The group warned that this inconsistency not only undermines the financial relief the discounts are meant to provide but also complicates the verification process, potentially leading to fraudulent claims that could negatively impact driver earnings.
“Commuters, particularly students, senior citizens, and PWDs, are being left at a disadvantage due to the varying application of government-mandated discounts,” said a representative from the CFC. “This is a clear violation of the law and an exploitation of vulnerable passengers.”
As digital ride-hailing services continue to grow in the Philippines, the CFC stressed the importance of the LTFRB taking proactive measures to ensure that all platforms comply with the law. The group believes that a uniform standard for discount implementation would benefit both commuters and drivers alike, ensuring fair treatment and reducing the risk of fraud.
“The LTFRB must take the lead in standardizing how discounts are applied across all ride-hailing platforms. This will guarantee that Filipino commuters receive the financial relief they are entitled to and help protect the rights of both passengers and drivers,” the CFC said.
With an increasing number of Filipinos turning to ride-hailing services for daily commutes, the CFC’s call highlights the need for greater regulatory oversight to ensure that the government’s social policies are upheld in this rapidly evolving sector.
