By Philippine News Agency
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 (Northern Mindanao) has warned public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators not to jack up their rates as no increase in fares has been implemented in the region.
(ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN)
LTFRB-10 Director Aminoden Guro said those who collect fares that are higher than what the board has approved, would be penalized.
Guro’s warning came following complaints from several passengers that jeepney drivers, especially those plying the Bugo-Cogon route, have increased their fares by PHP3 to PHP5.
In particular, he said the board has received reports from the public that Bugo-Cogon PUJs are now asking PHP25 per passenger, which marks a PHP5 increase.
He said the LTFRB has not implemented any fare adjustment, particularly in Northern Mindanao, as the board’s approval of the PHP1 provisional fare increase has been implemented only in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, and Calabarzon.
“There is no increase in fares anywhere in the region,” Guro said.
Those who are proven to be collecting more than what the LTFRB-10 has imposed will be penalized, he said, noting that the penalty for first offense will be PHP5,000; second offense, PHP10,000; and third offense, PHP15,000.
Guro said drivers must also display the fare matrix issued by the LTFRB for the guidance of passengers.
“Non-displaying of the fare matrix is also a violation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB-10 chief said transport groups that have petitioned for an increase in public utility vehicle fares in the region have yet to substantiate their demand.
Guro said his office is ready to receive any petition from transport groups "but that this must be justified."