Philippines' LTFRB to Reassess Jeepney Fare Hike Petitions

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the Philippines announced on Wednesday that it will recompute pending petitions seeking an increase in the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs). In a statement, the LTFRB said it is heeding Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez’s call to begin processing petitions for a higher minimum jeepney fare. The agency said it will recompute the “appropriate” fare adjustment, taking into account calls from the Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) for a P2 increase and a pending petition from the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) for a P10 fare hike. The current minimum PUJ fare is P13. Transport groups have renewed calls for higher fares amid tensions between the United States and Iran, which have pushed global crude oil prices higher after a brief period of stabilization. “I understand that there are several petitions filed before the LTFRB for this fare hike. I instructed LTFRB na rin po to start the process like public consultation and consultations with the regional directors nationwide,” Lopez said. “The LTFRB should start the process pero tingnan niyo rin if we can, might as well, expand itong government interventions like the fuel subsidy or fuel discount. In that way, we can manage the inflation," the Transportation chief said. "I think the President will also discuss and address that issue, kasi ito po ay importante sa ating Pangulo (because it is important to the President),” he added. The LTFRB said it will consider several factors in deciding on the petitions, including the riding public’s capacity to absorb higher transportation costs and the potential inflationary impact of any fare increase on the prices of basic goods and services. “What can be assured, however, is that instead of an interim adjustment given the price of petroleum products, the LTFRB will come out with a final resolution in the soonest possible time,” the agency said. “In the meantime, the fuel discount will continue and the LTFRB is exploring the possibility of expanding its coverage to reach as many PUVs as possible, as well as increase the amount,” it added.— MCG, GMA News