MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved fare increases for jeepneys and buses, but the exact amounts will be announced on Tuesday, according to Chairperson Vigor Mendoza.

“Yung pagtataas, sigurado na po yun. Yung amount, ayan ang kailangan pa namin i-justify kay DOTR Secretary Giovanni Lopez (bukas),” Mendoza said.
(The fare increase is already certain. As for the amount, we still need to justify it to Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez tomorrow.)

Mendoza emphasized that the hike will not be excessive to avoid burdening passengers and to minimize impact on inflation.

“Hindi naman natin kayang lubohin yan, lakihan na napakalaki dahil mahihirapan masyado ‘yung ating mga mananakay. Tapos, we also coordinate with other government agencies ‘yung impact on inflation. Ayaw nating mag tumaas masyado ang ating mga bilihin dahil sa ating gagawin,” he said.
(We cannot impose fares that are too high since it would be too difficult for our passengers. We also coordinate with other government agencies on the impact on inflation. We don’t want prices of goods to rise too much because of our decision.)

The fare hike will cover all petitions previously filed for jeepneys and buses. Fares for taxis and UV Express vehicles will not be announced Tuesday as their petitions are still undergoing hearings and a nationwide consultation program.

Transport groups have reacted to the upcoming increase. Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) President Melencio Vargas said jeepney drivers rely on daily operations to earn a living, especially senior citizens with limited education.

“Kami ay magtitiis talaga. Makapag-uwi kami ng 300 to 400 pesos, kahit paano pambili na ng bigas ‘yun,” Vargas said.
(We will really have to endure. We can only bring home P300 to P400, which is just enough to buy some rice.)

He added that subsidies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and LTFRB would help meet drivers’ needs.

Meanwhile, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) said it will proceed with a planned protest related to the Middle East conflict. National President Mody Floranda said, “Karapatan nating ituloy ang pagkilos na ito. Dahil dun sa malaking ginagawa ng Estados Unidos ‘yung usapin ng agresyon ay isa tayo sa tinatamaan bunga ng nagaganap na giyera.”
(It is our right to continue this action. The United States has a significant role in the ongoing conflict, which affects the country.)

He added, “Ang panawagan natin, dapat ihinto ng Estados Unidos ang kanilang agresyon dahil hindi lang Pilipinas ang naapektuhan kundi pati iba’t ibang bansa.”
(Our call is for the US to stop its aggression because it not only affects the Philippines but also other countries.)

PISTON will hold a press conference Monday to announce the dates of the planned transport strike.

The fare hike comes as another round of significant oil price increases is expected next week, with diesel projected to rise by P19 to P22 per liter and gasoline by P12 to P16 per liter.