CEBU CITY – A significant oil price increase took effect on Tuesday, March 10, and while the surge is expected to persist amid the escalating tension in the Middle East, no fare hike petition has been filed in Central Visayas.

Abusamen Matuan, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7, confirmed this as he disclosed that names of roughly 35,000 beneficiaries from the region have been submitted for the national oil subsidy program.

“So far, up to this moment, wala pang (No) formal petition for fare increase in this regional office,” Abusamen told reporters.

Matuan clarified that no fare adjustment will be implemented unless a formal petition is filed and approved by the central office in Quezon City.

“Until there is no order from the agency – what I’m referring to is the central office – for a fare increase, there will be no fare increase from our public utility vehicles,” he said.

Matuan warned drivers and operators against taking advantage of the situation by collecting higher fares without authorization.

Under existing LTFRB rules, drivers found charging fares beyond the approved rate may face administrative penalties.

The first offense carries a fine of P5,000, while a second violation may result in a P10,000 fine and possible suspension. A third offense could lead to a P15,000 fine and potential cancellation of the franchise.

Matuan urged commuters to report unauthorized collection of higher fares to enable them to take appropriate actions.

He also disclosed that they will roll out a fuel subsidy program to assist drivers and operators affected by surging fuel costs.

Matuan said 37,744 drivers and operators from Region 7 are qualified for the program although the amount that each beneficiary will receive has yet to be finalized.

“We just don’t know yet how much. We are still waiting for the final instruction coming from the central office,” Matuan said.