Philippines' LTFRB to Submit Fare Hike Recommendation to DOTr by October

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Sunday said that its recommendation on the fare hike is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transportation in October. LTFRB acting chairman Atty. Greg Pua Jr. said the agency is currently finalizing its recommendation, taking into consideration the expected increase in oil prices. "Ang utos sa amin, by October, dapat nasa kanyang table na ang [recommendation] for approval," Pua told Super Radyo dzBB. "Once he [makes the decision], we will immediately implement whatever increase we will implement," he added. Another big-time increase in fuel products is expected this week due to the Middle East fuel crisis, with diesel prices possibly surging by over P10 per liter and gasoline prices increasing by as high as P5 per liter. An industry source on Saturday said diesel prices may go up by P8.50 to P9.50 per liter and gasoline by P4.50 to P5.50 per liter. Diesel and gas prices have gone up by P10/L in the past two weeks. Lopez earlier this week said he gave LTFRB enough time to weigh all the factors, adding that DOTr will check the initiatives that the government is already rolling out to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. “At the end of the day, ang talagang utos ng Pangulo is as much as possible, hindi dapat binibigay sa mga commuters natin or pinapasa sa commuters natin ‘yung problemang ito. Kailangan saluhin ho ng gobyerno at kailangan saluhin ng Department of Transportation,” Lopez said. Fuel subsidy Meanwhile, the LTFRB has suspended the distribution of the P12-per-liter fuel subsidy for PUV drivers due to the election ban on public spending for social services ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The LTRFB is currently waiting for the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) approval on its certificate of exemption to provide financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. "As early as Tuesday last week, sumulat na tayo sa Comelec in anticipation dito sa election ban. Sumulat na tayo sa Comelec na ma-exempt tayo sa mga programa ng LTFRB, 'yung financial assistance at P12 discount," Pua said "We are waiting sa approval ng Comelec, which we hope na matanggap namin (we receive it) this coming week," he added. During election period, a certificate of exemption is given to a government agency to allow specific activities that fall under the elections ban, like releasing or disbursing public funds for social welfare, housing, or infrastructure projects and transporting firearms. The release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds is prohibited from September 18 to November 1 due to the upcoming BSKE scheduled for November 2. —KG, GMA News