Recently reelected Cavite 2nd district Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla commended the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for introducing a new fare discount for students using the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

She expressed her approval of this initiative, especially for students who heavily rely on public transportation for their daily commute to school. Mercado-Revilla emphasized the significant financial burden that comes with education and noted that any assistance in alleviating this burden would greatly benefit students and their families.

The DOTr has implemented an enhanced discount program that offers a 50 percent fare reduction for students utilizing the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 systems in Metro Manila.

According to Mercado-Revilla, this move is in line with broader efforts to address challenges in the education sector. She highlighted the role of legislators in ensuring that students have access to quality education, with the establishment of public schools being a concrete step in achieving this goal.

Legislating schools grants them fiscal autonomy, allowing them to manage their own resources, hire personnel, and receive direct funding from the General Appropriations Act (GAA). This autonomy enhances the institutions' ability to function independently and sustainably, ultimately leading to improved services for students.