LTFRB decides on P5 fare hike by end-June

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it will issue its decision on the P5 fare hike petition for public utility jeepneys before the end of the month.

LTFRB executive director Maria Kristina Cassion said they are looking to resolve the pending fare increase appeals from transport groups by June 30, before the end of the Duterte administration.

Cassion said that there are two pending petitions, the other a P6 increase that also asks for P2.50 per kilometer, before the Board.

“The next hearing is June 28. And then after that, before their term ends to resolve pending petitions. Before June 30, board can announce a decision. June 28 is the last hearing,” she said in Filipino and English over dzBB.

The LTFRB official noted that they need to consider other factors, particularly the effect of the fare hike on commuters and inflation, noting that budgets would be stretched if the request for P2.50 per kilometer is granted.

“It’s not readily noticeable if the base fare becomes P14. But they are also asking for P2.50 per kilometer. Maximum range of PUJs is 35 kms. Imagine how much would be the burden. It should be careful and well-rounded, all the stakeholders must be considered by the board,” Cassion said.

She added that while there have been appeals from other transport modes such as taxis for a fare hike, they are still covered by the government’s fuel subsidy program to cushion the effects of continuous fuel price increases.

No miracle

Wala pong himala. (There’s no miracle).

Taking the famous line of national artist Nora Aunor, Sen. Imee Marcos said her brother, president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., could not solve in a blink of an eye the country’s problem of high prices of fuel and food.

The senator said the problem was so huge that even her father, the late former president Ferdinand Marcos, if alive would find it difficult.

“Like there is no miracle. Even if it’s Marcos, even if my father is still alive then who is very good and very hardworking, I think it will be really difficult. That is why we are nervous about people’s expectations,” the senator added.

Marcos also admitted that the pressure on the Marcoses was intense due to high expectations of over 31 million who voted for her brother in the May 2022 presidential elections.

“It’s very nerve-wracking to think of expectations of the 31 million (who voted for him) within the first 100 days. No miracle as Nora Aunor had said,” she added, referring to the iconic film “Himala” directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal and first screened by Experimental Cinema of the Philippines during martial law.

Just like Sen. Bong Go to President Duterte, Imee Marcos said she will be the self-appointed “SAP” or Super Ate ng Pangulo for the president-elect.

Marcos added that she is hoping to have a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislative departments during the term of her brother.

“I would like that to happen,” the senator said when asked whether she is hopeful for a good working relationship between Congress and the Palace. She vowed to ensure that possible veto of proposed legislative measures will be avoided. – Cecille Suerte Felipe