LTFRB warns overcharging operators and drivers, maintains P9 minimum fare stands

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned Wednesday transport operators and drivers to keep the minimum jeepney fares at P9, pending any decision on the fare hikes amid the successive increases in domestic pump prices.

LTFRB executive director Maria Kristina Cassion reiterated that the minimum jeepney fare stands at P9, and those who charge more could be penalized for overcharging.

“Sana po kung ano lang ‘yung tamang singil, kung ano ‘yung nakalagay sa fare matrix ninyo po ‘yun lang po muna ‘yung ating isingil sa commuters,” she said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing.

(Commuters should only be charged the correct fares indicated in the fare matrix.)

Cassion noted that under the current guidelines, operators and drivers found guilty of overcharging will be slapped with a P5,000 fine for the first offense; a P10,000 fine and impounding of their unit for the second offense; and P15,000 and possible suspension and cancellation of their franchise for the third offense.

Her latest remarks come after reports that jeepney operators and drivers have increased their fares due to consecutive increases of domestic pump prices, with pending petitions to increase fares by P3 and P5.

The LTFRB on Tuesday heard petitions from transport groups 1-UTAK, the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizers, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pasang Masda, and the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.

The groups have appealed for fare increases given the successive increases in domestic pump prices of petroleum products, as they adjust to the higher expenses.

Oil firms on Tuesday hiked prices per liter of gasoline by P3.60, diesel by P5.85, and kerosene by P4.10, marking the 10th straight week of upward movement.

Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate that year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P8.75 per liter for gasoline, P10.85 per liter for diesel, and P9.55 per liter for kerosene as of February 22, 2022.

Cassion also called on commuters to report any incidents of overcharging to the LTFRB, which will then issue a show-cause order to operators and drivers.

“Kung sakaling may magreklamo mag-i-issue ng show-cause order at isa-summon at ‘pag napatunayan ay pagmumultahin sila,” she explained.

(If ever we receive complaints we will issue a show-cause order and summon them. If proven guilty, they will be penalized.)

For the meantime, Cassion said operators and drivers can avail of government programs such as the fuel subsidy scheduled to be released this month, and the Department of Transportation’s service contracting program.—AOL, GMA News