Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for giving bigger fare discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who ride the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 trains.
President Marcos launched the program at the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis station. He also earlier ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to increase student discounts from 20% to 50%.
Rep. Romualdez said the government must help ease the daily struggles of commuters by making travel cheaper and more comfortable.
“We know how hard it is for people to travel every day to work, school, and home. It is our duty to help make their trips easier by giving them faster and more affordable transportation,” Romualdez said.
He said the President’s move shows real care for ordinary Filipinos, especially seniors and PWDs.
“Before, the discount for seniors and PWDs was only 20%. Now, they only need to pay half the fare. This shows the President truly cares for the people,” he added.
Romualdez also welcomed the first trip of the Dalian trains, which were unused and kept in storage for many years. President Marcos led the launch as part of the plan to modernize the country’s public transportation.
Romualdez promised full support for more commuter-friendly programs. He said he will help push for funds and laws to keep fare discounts and improve the public transport system.
“We will continue to fight for the rights and needs of commuters in Congress. We will make sure there is enough funding to support these fare discounts and other benefits,” Romualdez said.
