Drivers warned against unauthorized fare hike

Local

“DO not raise fares on your own.”

This was the warning from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Field Office Central Visayas (LTFRB 7) to drivers in the region amid rising fuel prices.

In a statement, LTFRB 7 acknowledged the financial pressures faced by drivers but emphasized that fare increases must have official Board approval.

“Atong gi-awhag ang tanang drivers nga dili sa magpatuman og fare increase hangtod nga adunay opisyal nga aprubal gikan sa Board,” the agency said.

The board also highlighted the burden on commuters, noting that rising prices of basic goods affect passengers as well.

“Sa maong panahon, importante nga magtinabangay kita pinaagi sa pagsunod sa balaod ug pagpakita og konsiderasyon sa matag usa,” LTFRB 7 added.

Transport groups across the country have been seeking provisional fare hikes to cope with higher fuel costs.

In Metro Manila, Piston plans to file a petition on March 16 to raise the minimum fare by P2 to P15. Piston president Mody Floranda said drivers currently earn P400 to P500 after 12 to 18 hours of work, but oil price hikes could reduce income by P200 to P300.

He proposed pairing the fare increase with a minimum wage hike to P1,200 to help commuters.

In Northern Mindanao, NOMFEDTRASCO filed a petition with LTFRB 10 in Cagayan de Oro City on March 9, requesting a P5 provisional fare increase.

Some cooperatives are considering reducing the number of modern jeepneys in operation, while Oro Transport Service Cooperative Chairman Samuel Abello advised drivers to minimize unnecessary engine use to save fuel.

In Cebu, transport cooperatives are seeking government fuel subsidies instead of fare hikes.

The Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives (FCTC) requested fuel subsidies and service contracting programs, citing ongoing loan repayments for modern jeepneys and recovery from recent disasters.

In an interview, FCTC president Ellen Maghanoy said the group supports measures to prevent further petroleum price increases, which would heavily affect commuters.

PUV operators said fuel now accounts for roughly half of daily operating costs, with diesel prices recently rising from P49 to P59 per liter.

They are hoping the government will release the P2.5 billion national fuel subsidy, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed is triggered when crude oil hits $80 per barrel.

LTFRB 7 reiterated that any fare increase must have official Board approval and called on all stakeholders to work together to balance the welfare of drivers and commuters.(MyTVCebu)