DOTr probes 8 bus firms over alleged illegal fare hikes

At least eight bus companies are under investigation for allegedly imposing unauthorized fare increases, with transport authorities giving them 72 hours to explain before penalties are imposed, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday.

In an interview on Balitanghali, DOTr Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor confirmed that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued show-cause orders against the identified firms.

“Walo po, we have already identified them kaya kahapon din po, pagbigay po ng instruksyon ni Secretary Giovanni Lopez, nag-issue na po ang ating LTFRB ng show-cause order.”

(There are eight companies. We have already identified them, and following the instruction of Secretary Giovanni Lopez, the LTFRB immediately issued show-cause orders.)

A show-cause order is an official notice telling a person or company to explain their side of an alleged infraction.

Pastor said penalties will depend on the companies’ explanations and may range from fines to suspension or even revocation of franchises.

“Ito po, naisyuhan na ng show-cause order ng ating LTFRB. Kung ano po ang magiging penalty nila will depend on their explanation, at ito po ay ie-evaluate ng LTFRB. Maaari po itong multa, suspension, o revocation ng prangkisa,” he noted.

(They have already been issued show-cause orders. The penalties will depend on their explanation, which will be evaluated by the LTFRB. These may include fines, suspension, or revocation of franchise.)

Transport officials said the firms have been given 72 hours to respond, after which the LTFRB will assess their explanations.

Despite rising fuel costs and stricter monitoring, the DOTr said passenger volume remains high ahead of Holy Week.

Pastor cited data from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), where around 178,000 passengers were recorded last Sunday—about 13,000 higher than the 165,000 logged during the same period last year.

“Marami pa rin po tayong mga kababayan na bumabiyahe… marami po talagang gustong bumiyahe nitong Semana Santa.”

(Many of our fellow Filipinos are still traveling… many really want to travel this Holy Week.)

The DOTr is also ramping up safety measures, including random drug testing for drivers and inspections of public utility vehicles.

Authorities are likewise checking vehicle roadworthiness and deploying enforcers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), along with K9 units, in terminals.

To ease congestion, the DOTr said roadworks have been halted or completed in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Meanwhile, a proposed carpooling program is still being finalized, with stricter guidelines to prevent abuse and illegal “colorum” operations.

“Binabalangkas pa po ng LTFRB at ng MMDA kung ano po ang magiging parameters dito… hinigpitan po nila ang implementasyon para hindi maabuso sa tinatawag nating colorum operations.”

(The LTFRB and MMDA are still drafting the parameters, and implementation will be stricter to prevent abuse and so-called colorum operations.)

Pastor assured that enforcers will be deployed to prevent private vehicles from illegally charging passengers.

The department also urged travelers to use only legitimate public transportation and report violations.

Authorities likewise assured the public of continued monitoring of terminals, rail systems, and ports to ensure safe and orderly travel during the Holy Week rush.—MCG, GMA News