Jeepney group urges gov't to approve P5 fare increase due to fuel price hikes

The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) on Sunday called on the government to approve the P5 fare increase due to the continuous fuel price hikes.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, FEJODAP president Ricardo "Boy" Rebaño said that because of this plight, it seems like what the jeepney drivers have been doing lately is just for public service.

“Kami naman po’y natutuwa na nakakapag-serbisyo kami ng kapwa nating Pilipino. Pero sana naman po, ‘yung ating pamahalaan, 'wag kaming panoorin nang panoorin sa aming paghihirap na dinaranas namin. Umaksyon naman kaagad sila,” he said.

[We are happy that we could provide service to our countrymen. But we hope that the government does not just watch us while we suffer. I hope they act on this immediately.]

Unioil Petroleum Philippines said on Saturday that another round of fuel price hike is slated this week, which could mark the ninth straight week of increases since the beginning of the year.

The company said the price per liter of diesel may increase by P0.80 to P0.90, while gasoline prices may go up by P0.90 to P1.00 per liter.

Rebaño said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct a hearing on March 8 regarding their appeal for a P5 fare increase.

He noted that for this petition, the adjustment for every kilometer exceeding four kilometers is at P1.50.

“Kung maaprubahan po ‘yun, malaking tulong sa amin [If that gets approved, that would be a big help for us],” he said.

“Sana aprubahan niyo na ‘yan sa lalong madaling panahon para gumaan-gaan din naman ang buhay ng mga driver at operator,” he added.

[I hope you approve it immediately so the lives of the drivers and operators will get better.]

Further, Rebaño said that the de-escalation from Alert Level 2 to Level 1 would also help them a little.

“Kapiranggot lang ho eh. Alam naman ninyo, ilan lamang ang capacity ng isang pampasaherong sasakyan. Pero kahit papaano sa pagluluwag nito, baka by next week magluwag na, Alert Level 1 na, kahit papaano makakatulong ito sa amin,” he said.

[It would only help a little because as you know, public transport only has a small capacity. But somehow, it will help us when we shift to Alert Level 1 hopefully by next week.]

The Metro Manila Council said on Wednesday that National Capital Region mayors have agreed to recommend the shifting of the region to Alert Level 1 starting March 1.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards. —KG, GMA News