The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the government must first ensure that the momentum of the country's growth is not affected adversely before approving any fare increase in public transportation.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said this as the jeepney sector awaits the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTFRB) on their request for a two- to five-peso fare increase following the seven consecutive weeks of oil price hike.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Balisacan said there were many things to consider before approving such requests or making policy actions that would affect a big part of the economy.

"[We] would have to take into account the broader objective of ensuring that we will keep the momentum of growth going, we'll continue the progress that we have made in recent months and slowing down inflation, [and] that we do not also slow down the progress that we are making in the labor market," he said.

"Those considerations have to be taken into account in approving requests or appeals for things like a higher transport fare. But, ultimately, it will also depend on the evaluation of the concerned agencies," he added.

According to Balisacan, they would have to look into the petition before it could determine if the fare hike would affect the economy.

"It depends on what areas are covered. Is that five-peso fare [increase] going to be applied nationwide? Is it going to be applied only to jeepneys or motorcycles? Things like that," he said.

"We'll need more information. But definitely, in most instances, particularly all instances concerning requests like this, the view of NEDA is sought," he added.

On Tuesday, several transport groups asked the LTFRB for a one-peso provisional adjustment for traditional jeepneys from the current P12.

The main petition sought to increase the minimum fare to P17 for the first four kilometers and the succeeding kilometer rate to P2.80 from the current P1.80.