Solons file bill giving incentives to indigent PUV drivers

Impoverished applicants of professional driver’s licenses can get a break if a bill sponsored by Davao City (1st District) Rep. Paolo Duterte, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap gets approved and becomes a law.

Known as House Bill (HB) 8070, it aims to provide applicants of professional driver’s licenses a discount on examination fees, certificates (birth and medical), clearances, and enrolment in accredited driving schools.

“While the intention of the memorandum (LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2284) 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 bill’s authors said.

If HB 8070 is passed and becomes a law, it will reduce the amount professional driver’s license applicants will pay, which is estimated to be around PHP 3,000 to PHP 7,000.

The bill also stipulates that professional driver’s license applicants get an allowance for expenses incurred from commuting to and from their respective driving schools; that the requirement to have a non-professional driver’s license for one year before applying for a professional driver’s license is reduced to three months; and that enrollment of prospective PUV drivers are prioritized by accredited driving schools that offer free courses.

Persons, public or private employees, caught refusing to provide any of the benefits under the proposed bill will be fined PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000.