File formal petition for fare hike instead of request letters, LTFRB tells transport groups
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has advised transport groups to file a petition instead of forwarding a request letter for fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUVs).
LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III issued the statement after several transport groups sought for the increase in the minimum fare amid the series of big-time oil price hikes in the past weeks.
“We ask the transport groups to course their request under the proper procedure based on the Public Service Act by filing a petition within five days,” said Guadiz.
The official issued the appeal during a hearing for the request for fare increase where he also explained to the transport groups that the approval of any fare increase needs to consider several factors.
Two weeks ago, several transport groups such as the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide, Stop & Go Transport Coalition Incorporated, and The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) submitted a letter request to the LTFRB addressed to Guadiz, requesting for a P2 fare increase for all PUJs nationwide.
Other transport groups, including taxi operators and drivers and bus operators organizations, are also planning to seek for fare adjustment.
In submitting a request letter for fare increase instead of a petition, the PUJ transport groups argued an existing LTFRB memorandum, LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2019-035, which allows an automatic adjustment on PUV fares in cases of oil price hikes.
But Guadiz said every fare hike must still be subjected to the review of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“Every fare increase has an economic impact and that is what has to be studied carefully by other government agencies such as the NEDA in order to come up with a fare increase that is justifiable and will not create a huge economic burden,” said Guadiz.
“But We want to assure our PUJ drivers and operators nationwide that their pleas for fare adjustment do not fall on deaf ears. We are well aware and continue to hear their plight amid the continuing oil price hikes and their difficulty in earning enough for their families,” he added.