LTFRB to hear taxi firms’ appeal vs fare cut today

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to hear today a motion for reconsideration filed by some taxi operators against the P10 fare cut on the taxi flag-down rate, an official said yesterday.

LTFRB member Ariel Inton said the board has given petitioner Rep. Manuel Iway until today to file their opposition against the motion for reconsideration filed by some taxi operators before they can discuss it.

Iway earlier said they will file their opposition by today to defend the P10 fare cut, imposed on March 9. He, however, said they were dissatisfied over the decision of the board even if they granted the P10 fare reduction.

“As a petitioner, I asked the board that for every 300 meters, they should have reduced the base fare from P3.50 to P2.50,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bong Suntay, who was among those who filed the appeal, said they are confident that the board will grant their petition.

“The evidence weighs heavily in our favor against the provisional reduction,” he said.

Asked about their plan if their appeal is denied, Suntay said they will rest their case.

Recently, the LTFRB has denied a motion to suspend the implementation of the P10 cut in the flag-down rate. Inton said the petition was denied since the fare cut was provisional or temporary.