LTFRB decision on jeepney fare hike out next week

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will decide next week on the petition calling for an increase in jeepney fare.

A report on GMA News TV's “Balitanghali” on Tuesday said the LTFRB will decide on the petition filed by the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) for a P8.50 minimum jeepney fare on May 27.

The report said the LTFRB will first give time for Negros Occidental Rep. Manuel Iway and the National Council for Commuters Protection to counter ACTO's claims for the hike.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Iway said ACTO's petition for a fare hike was untimely.

Iway said that in 2006, the jeepney fare remained at P7 even when diesel prices were at P31.90. He said when diesel prices hit P52, that would be the time to increase the fare to P8.50, just like in 2008.

He also said jeepney drivers in Visayas and Mindanao have no complaints even if diesel prices there are at P45, which he said is around 10 to 15 percent higher than in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, NCCP president Elvira Medina said jeepney operators should prioritize their compliance in the certificate of public convenience before asking for a fare hike.

Medina was quoted as saying in the report that public transportation is not just business but also public service, which necessitates well-maintained and safe jeepneys.

For his part, ACTO president Efren De Luna said fare hike is needed since diesel prices have gone up five times in recent weeks.

De Luna also quoted Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla as saying that oil price hike may continue until September due to global market prices. —Andrei Medina/KBK, GMA News