LTFRB told: Resolve fare hike petitions by October

MANILA, Philippines — Fare hike petitions must be resolved by next month, according to the Department of Transportation. The DOTr has given the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) a month to recommend possible actions on the petitions. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said they are working on a resolution that would benefit workers without burdening commuters. “We aren’t saying that there won’t be any fare increases. What we are saying is that the government is currently working on other initiatives. We need to shoulder the burden,” Lopez declared. Expanding the fuel discount is being considered by including more public utility vehicle operators and other types of petroleum products aside from diesel, Lopez said. Select jeepney drivers and operators are receiving a fuel subsidy of P12 per liter. Operational costs are rising as prices of petroleum products increase, transport groups said.