MANILA — Transport group MANIBELA has raised concerns over alleged non-compliance with the 20 percent fare discount for passengers in jeepneys under the government’s service contracting program.

MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena, in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, said passengers reported that some jeepney units included in the program were not granting the mandated discount and were also not displaying required fare discount tarpaulins.

“Ang sabi sa amin kahapon ng mga pasahero, kasama itong ruta na ito sa service contracting program pero hindi daw po nila inilagay yung mga tarpaulin kaya hindi sila nabibigyan ng discount,” Valbuena said.

He said the group has already flagged several units and called on operators to ensure proper posting of signage so commuters are informed of their entitlement to discounted fares.

Valbuena noted that some operators reportedly removed the tarpaulins, citing concerns over possible engine overheating, although he expressed doubt over the explanation.

He also raised issues regarding the distribution of payments under the program, citing complaints from drivers that only 40 percent of the payout goes to drivers and operators, while 60 percent allegedly goes to cooperatives.

Valbuena urged concerned agencies, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), to clarify the matter.

Aside from compliance concerns, he said some drivers have also expressed dissatisfaction with current service contracting rates, which reportedly range from P30 to P40 per kilometer.

He suggested increasing the rate to between P50 and P60 per kilometer to make the program more viable for operators and drivers.

Valbuena attributed the low participation in the program to financial constraints and route limitations, noting that drivers would need to cover at least 100 kilometers daily to earn sufficient income—something not feasible for shorter routes.