By Charissa Luci-Atienza
AANGAT TAYO party-list Rep. Harlin Neil Abayon III said on Thursday the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should not think twice in reviewing the recent fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
The deputy minority leader even urged the LTFRB to convene an emergency meeting, even as he sought the suspension of the fare hike.
"The LTFRB would be wise to heed guidance of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on reviewing their fare hike decision," he said in a statement.
The member of the House Committee on Transportation also asked the LTFRB to abide by the wisdom of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on a "parametric formula" or predetermined matrix for the more fluid adjustment of jeepney and bus fares.
"All three of them or even just a majority can convene, on or before November 2, an emergency meeting, so they can approve a new decision to hold in abeyance their earlier fare hike resolution order pending another review as suggested by the DOTr," Abayon said.
"They are public officials and their work is 24/7. It is in the public interest for them to act with prudence and speed," he said.
The DOTr earlier asked the LTFRB to take a second look at the P2-peso fare hike for PUJs.
With latest fare adjustment, the minimum fare in the National Capital Region, Region 3, and Region 4 is P10.