Press Release
June 1, 2009

SENATOR ANGARA URGES FOR STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Call to extend assistance to students and their parents

Senator Edgardo J. Angara urges his colleagues to pass a measure which seeks to institutionalize student fare discounts and extend its grant even on holidays, weekends, summer and Christmas vacation, this he propose amid a Global Financial Crisis which tightened every Filipino family's budget.

"During this time of economic difficulty, we need to extend every possible social protection and assistance we can provide in order to increase the spending capacity of Filipino families. The proposed institutionalization of student discount is envisioned to lessen the impact of the current economic difficulties and assist parents and students in shouldering the transportation expenses relative to the rising cost of education in our country," said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

He added, "The current economic slump necessitates extension of various measures given by the government to provide economic relief, including student fare discounts. This is the main reason for extending grants even on holidays and weekends."

Angara lamented that, presently, the grant of student fare discounts is only through a memorandum circular of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

SB 892, filed by Senator Angara, aims to put the thrust of the circular forward by institutionalizing the grant of a fare discount privilege to bonafide students on land, water and air transport utilities, not only during school days but also during Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas vacations and other holidays during a school year or school semester, whichever is applicable.

He added that majority of its intended beneficiaries belong to the indigent, depressed and under privileged sector. Hence, they need and deserve the assistance of the government.

Under the proposed measure, the fare discount privilege is available to students even during Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas vacation and other holidays to enable and encourage them to undertake researches and group studies.

It is in recognition of the fact that during such days and periods students are returning to their respective communities to assist their parents and at the same time to get their allowances for the succeeding school week.

Moreover, there are certain students, like medical interns and those undergoing military trainings and specialized studies, who are required to report during such days and periods.

"With global financial crisis at hand it is even more imperative for the government to be at the forefront of this kind of action"- said Angara

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