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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'May sariling gobyerno': 8 bus firms summoned for unauthorized fare hike

'May sariling gobyerno': 8 bus firms summoned for unauthorized fare hike

Published Mar 31, 2026 12:16 pm
(LTFRB)
(LTFRB)
Eight bus companies and operators are now in trouble after they were accused of charging their passengers with additional fare without the approval of the national government.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it already issued a show cause order (SCO) against the eight companies, some of them are bus firms plying the Bicol region route.
LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza said they gave the bus companies 10 days to explain in writing why their franchise must not be suspended or cancelled over allegations of overcharging their passengers.
The SCO was based on the complaints received by the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Mendoza explained that the sharp increases in the price of petroleum products must never be used to violate the basic rule in public transportation that any increase in fare must be approved by the government.
“We understand the challenges that bus companies and other operators of public utility vehicles are facing now but these challenges must never be used as a reason or as an excuse to violate existing regulations at the expense of commuters,” said Mendoza.
“This is not acceptable and they must explain properly why they should not be penalized,” he added.
The LTFRB earlier approved a fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs), including passenger buses but President Marcos suspended its implementation, saying this is not the time for commuters to carry the burden.
There was a series of oil price hikes since the Feb. 28 air strike of US and Israel and Iran, price increases that pushed diesel’s price to more than P100 per liter. The price of gasoline, on the other hand, is almost P100 per liter.
Mendoza said they already set a hearing on April 23 for the eight bus firms. He, however, did not name the bus companies. 
“Failure to submit explanation or attend hearing “shall be considered as a waiver on your part to be heard and shall cause the imposition of a penalty in the amount of P5,000,” the SCO read.
Mendoza warned PUV operators to refrain from overcharging commuters, saying the LTFRB has already deployed mystery riders to run after erring PUV drivers and operators.
He also urged the commuters to report to the LTFRB any case of illegal fare hike and overcharging of fares.

Related Tags

LTFRB illegal fare hike oil price hike Middle East tensions
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