(May 28, 2025) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a stern warning to public utility drivers and operators who charge double fare to plus-size passengers, reminding them that such a practice is illegal and punishable under the law.
“Ang bayad ng pasahero ay isang tao lang. Kasi isang pasahero, isang tao, ‘di ba?” said LTFRB spokesperson Atty. Ariel Inton in a report by Frontline Pilipinas.
“Ngayon kung ‘yun ang pamasahe na ‘yon is regardless of your size, regardless of your appearance. Hindi kasi base ‘yung pasahe sa gross weight ng tao.”
The reminder comes amid a growing number of complaints from passengers who say they were asked to pay extra simply because of their body size.
One student who experienced the practice said it left her feeling humiliated.
“Hindi ko naman nga po talaga sinasadya na parang ma-occupy talaga ‘yung seat na hindi ko naman dapat talaga ma-occupy. Nakaka-offend siya sa akin bilang estudyante and bilang tao na rin po. Tao rin kami… hindi rin kami mayaman para magbayad ng doble.”
Another commuter acknowledged the space issue but still found the policy insensitive.
“Ramdam ko naman kung talagang kailangan. Okay lang po pero hindi po ba offending din, sir? Kasi offending po sa akin… kung kailangan naman po okay lang naman pero…”
According to LTFRB, charging more than the standard fare constitutes overcharging and can result to a fine of P5,000. Repeat offenders risk losing their franchise.
Passengers who experience discrimination or are asked to pay double due to their size are encouraged to report the incident to the LTFRB Hotline 1342, via email, or through the agency’s official social media channels.
(With reports from Faith del Mundo, News5)
(AGD)
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