Fare hike's "domino effect" feared

CEBU, Philippines - The Consumers Rights for Economic Welfare is not opposing the recent move of transport groups to increase jeepney and taxi fares but want to sit down with the transport group officials to discuss the issue as any fare increase would have a “domino effect”.

 CREW president Vic Sapio said once fare is increased, this will eventually result to increase in the prices of basic commodities like fish and vegetables.

Citing an example, Sapio said Cebu’s vegetable’s basket is located in Mantalongon, Dalaguete which is very far from the city and once fare is increased, it would also follow that vegetable sellers would also increase the price of their goods.

“Consumers and the transport sector should work hand in hand for government to truly address the continued increases in fuel prices. We should help one another,” Sapio told The FREEMAN.

He added that once the consumers and transport sector will unite, it will create a very strong force in convincing the government to look for ways to address social problems including the series of fuel price increases.

Jeepney operators earlier announced their plan to file a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to increase the minimum fare by P1.50 which means that the current minimum fare of P7.50 for PUJs will already be P9 if the said petition is approved.

Taxi operators meanwhile have already filed a petition before the LTFRB increasing the flag down rate by P10, making it P50 from the current flag down rate of P40.

They also wanted to increase the rate for succeeding 300 meters from P3.50 to P4.50.

Sapio said they understand the plight of jeepney and taxi drivers, who are likewise burdened by the recent increases in fuel prices. — (FREEMAN)