Discounts for indigent PUV drivers applying for license eyed

A bill granting discounted fees and subsidies to indigent public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in securing a professional driver’s license has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Representatives Paolo Duterte of Davao city, Eric Yap of Benguet and Edvic Yap of ACT-CIS party-list made the proposal under their House Bill 8070.

The bill provides for a 20% discount to indigent PUV drivers on the payment of fees and other requirements needed in securing a professional driver’s license such as examination fees, certificates, clearances and enrollment in accredited driving schools.

Duterte said that aside from the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program, the numerous requirements imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in applying for a professional driver's license would add to the financial woes of PUV drivers.

He was referring to LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2284 which provides that an applicant for a professional driver's license would need to be at least 18 years old, a non-professional driver’s license holder for at least one year, and able to pass a written exam and practical driving test.

The applicant must also submit a medical certificate, secure a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or the Philippine National Police (PNP), and complete a minimum of eight-hour practical driving lessons from any driving school accredited by the LTO or the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The lawmakers, citing data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), noted that 430,000 PUV drivers would be affected by the new requirements set by the LTO in getting a professional driver's license.

Without the discount, the lawmakers estimated that the total cost of these requirements would require PUV drivers to shell out P4,000 to P7,000.

"While the intention of the memorandum is to promote road safety and proper motorist behavior, such requirements would add to the burden of the PUV drivers who are now even tasked to buy modernized and climate-friendly vehicles under the PUV Modernization Program,” the lawmakers said.

Under the proposed bill, the Indigent PUV driver-applicants  will also receive a fixed daily allowance for expenses that they will incur in commuting to and from their chosen driving schools as provided in the measure.

The bill also states that the LTO “shall reduce the requirement that Professional Driver’s License applicants should be holders of valid Non-Professional Driver’s License for one (1) year before application down to three (3) months” for indigent PUV drivers.

It also states that indigent PUV drivers should be given priority in enrolling in accredited driving schools where the courses are free of charge. 

Public officers or employees refusing to provide the benefits granted under the measure will be subject to fines  ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, the bill states. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA Integrated News