No SC action means LRT, MRT fare hikes enforced

(Updated 3:44 p.m.) The controversial fare increases ordered by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)for the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit will have to remain in place for now.

 

The high tribunal, sitting in its first full court session for the year, did not issue a temporary restraining order being requested by several groups against DOTC Order 2014-014, which increased last January 4 the base fare of P11 for both the MRT and the LRT and an additional P1.00 charged per kilometer.

There are currently four petitions against the fare hike, namely the ones filed by former Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco; a group led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, joined by 17 individuals; the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters Inc. (UFCC); and a group led by party-list Bayan Muna.

 

In their respective pleas, the petitioners said the DOTC committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing Order 2014-014  because it has no jurisdiction to decide on applications for transportation fare increase and issue implementing orders.

 

The order was issued in violation of the right of the public to notice and hearing, they argued.

 

Named respondents were DOTC Secretary Emilio Abaya, MRT-3 officer-in-charge Renato San Jose, LRT administrator Honorito Chaneco, MRT Corp., and Light Rail Manila Consortium.