CEBU, Philippines — Amidst the rising cost of fuel, the Basak-Lapu-Lapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (BALACJODA) is seeking for a P2 provisional fare increase in public utility jeepneys (PUJ) before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7.
BALACJODA adviser Metudio Belarmino said that the prices of both gasoline and diesel are already unbearable.
"Mo-file mi sa petition on Monday kay dili na gyud matabang ang presyo sa gasolina ug diesel. Mahal na gyud kaayo," said Belarmino.
Last January, BALACJODA also asked the LTFRB a P5.50 increase in PUJ fare on top of the current P6.50.
If the petition is approved, this would increase the PUJ’s minimum fare to P12.
The petition is still pending before LTFRB’s Central Office.
BALACJODA is hoping that LTFRB will approve its amended petition in the interest of justice and fairness.
"That immediate economic relief must be extended to the drivers and operators by increasing the PUJ fare to P12 to augment their daily income," BALACJODA's petition read.
The LTFRB board members, however, have yet to act on the petition.
"Hangtod karon walay action ang LTFRB sa among P5.50 nga petisyon. Mao na nga karong Lunes, we will file another petition (for a) P2 provisional fare increase," Belarmino said.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the tricycle groups in the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay and Naga are set to have a meeting within the week to discuss the possibility of seeking a P2 increase of its minimum fare.
"Amoa pa ning meetingan kay hasta baya ang tricycle drivers apektado pud sa pagsaka sa presyo sa lana," said Belarmino. (FREEMAN)