By Alexandria Dennise San Juan    The imposition of the newly-approved fare increases for jeepneys and buses could be delayed after a commuters group appealed to stop its implementation. "It is most respectfully prayed that the approved fare increases for jeeps and buses be stopped or withheld for the sake of millions of people of the Philippines," the United Filipinos Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) stated. Jeepneys pass by the elliptical road near the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to collect passengers Friday. (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN) In a motion for reconsideration filed by Arlis Acao and RJ Javellana of the UFCC, they said that it is "unjust" for the people to pay for higher fares on public utility vehicles on top of other rising commodity prices. Based on the appeal dated October 23, the oppositors said that the approved fare increases for jeepneys and buses will burden the public that is now "suffering from general increases of prices" due to inflation. "Parang hindi naman po makatarungan sa milyung-milyong Pilipino na nagsa-suffer na ng kahirapan dahil sa inflation rate ay sasabayan pa ng fare increases. (It is unjust for the millions of Filipinos suffering from poverty because of the inflation rate to also bear the brunt of fare increases)," they stated. Last week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved a P2 and P1 fare increase on jeepneys and buses, respectively. This was the board's resolution to the petition filed by different transport groups in September 2017 to cushion the anticipated increases on pump prices due to the tax reform law. However, the oppositors argued that drivers of passenger jeepneys and buses are receiving a "good income" more than the minimum wage, while 25% of the commuters are jobless, senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities. "Masakit po sa aming mga mananakay na lalo pang yayaman ang mga operators ng jeeps at buses at lalong lalaki ang kita ng mga driver na kasalukuyan ay kumikita ng higit P1,000 per day. (It is hard for us commuters that operators of jeeps and buses will get richer, and the drivers now earning more than P1,000 a day will get bigger incomes)," the group added. The group said they will present evidence to the board that PUV drivers are earning more than the minimum wage should a hearing be held. Meanwhile, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III said the agency hopes to decide on the matter within the 15-day period. The additional fare is expected to be imposed on the first week of November, or 15 days after publication of the decision. But while the board is deliberating on the group's appeal, drivers and operators will not be able to charge the approved fare increases. Earlier, Malacañang advised those who are against the fare hike to appeal before the LTFRB. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo in an interview said that the board is balancing the interests of the drivers and operators and the riding public.