MANIBELA Renews Call for Fare Hike Amid Soaring Fuel Prices

Transport group MANIBELA has renewed its strong call for an immediate fare increase for public transportation, citing the surge in fuel prices. "Fare increase, now!" MANIBELA stated in a release, questioning why authorities have yet to approve the hike. The group argues that a series of hearings would be pointless if drivers' concerns are not addressed. MANIBELA asserted, "What we want is a reasonable fare increase, not aid, so that we can keep up with the high price of oil and the high price of goods, the high price of services and essential needs for daily expenses." "If it is said that the fare is balanced, my question is, is the fare still balanced with the price of petroleum products? Is the P1 to P2 fare increase we are asking for balanced with the more than P100 price of fuel?" the group asked. MANIBELA pointed out that while government agencies' budgets increase annually, workers in public transportation have been left behind. They also dismissed concerns that a fare increase would contribute to higher inflation, stating that the rising cost of fuel and petroleum products is a major factor behind price increases for goods and services. The group also called for a rollback in oil prices, the removal of excise taxes on fuel, and amendments to the Oil Deregulation Law. In the Philippines, rising fuel prices not only directly impact public transportation fares but also affect the prices of food and daily necessities, straining household budgets. Fare increases can be particularly detrimental to low-income individuals and those heavily reliant on public transport. The government faces the difficult task of balancing price stability with support for the transport sector.