Transport groups push for provisional P1 fare hike

Several transport groups have sought a provisional P1 fare hike following the big-time oil price hike of about P1 per liter this week.

According to Joseph Morong’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the recent oil price hike caused diesel prices to reach P51.40 to P70.45 per liter, and gasoline prices, P50.50 to P66.55 per liter.

On Tuesday, Aug. 7, seven transport organizations which dubbed themselves the "Magnificent 7" met with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

“Pang apat na taas na ito, sa computation ko, nasa P4.50 na ang itinaas ng diesel kada litro… hindi na makakaya. Lahat sa modern at sa traditional. Piso lang, malayo, malapit,” said Obet Martin, Pasang Masda president.

(This is the fourth increase . Based on my computation, diesel has gone up by around P4.50 per liter. It's becoming unbearable. It affects both modern and traditional jeepneys. We propose a P1 fare hike for both short and long trips.)

The groups said they will file the petition next week.

However, a commuter expressed opposition to the proposed fare hike, noting that it will take more from their savings.

Meanwhile, another commuter agreed to the proposed fare hike, saying that it’s better than having no public transportation.

The LTFRB opposed the idea of a fare hike.

“Kasi may pagkukunan ako eh. At ayoko sanang mabigatan yung mga tao (because I have a source, and I didn’t want to burden the people),” Guadiz said.

He added that a P2.5 billion fuel subsidy is allocated in the government’s budget, which can be given to the following transportation operators:

• Tricycle P1,000
• Delivery Trucks P1,500
• UV Express P5,000
• Traditional Jeep P7,000
• Modern Jeep P8,000 - P9,000

However, the voucher can only be distributed once crude oil prices reach $80 per barrel in the world market.

“Kung hindi mag-reach yun $80, ibig sabihin, hindi pa gaanong mataas ang presyo ng gasolina. But just the same, we will hear their petition. There might be other reasons, like yung pagtaas ng cost of living, yung sahod ng mga empleyado, yung piyesa ng mga gamit nila,” Guadiz said.  

(If it doesn’t reach $80, it means fuel prices aren’t that costly yet. But just the same, we will hear their petition. There might be other reasons, like the rising cost of living, employee wages, or the price of spare parts for their vehicles.) —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News