MRT, LRT fare hike reaches Supreme Court

MANILA, Philippines — A former congressman on Monday challenged before the Supreme Court the constitutional basis for the fare hikes for the Mero Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

In a 12-page petition, former Iloilo Rep. Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco urged the high court to issue a restraining order to halt the implementation of the MRT an LRT fare increases.

Syjuco argued that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) committed a "grave abuse of authority" and violated due process in issuing an "illegal and unconstitutional" order.

He said that the higher train charges violate the "Public Service Act." He added that it also violated existing rules of court due to the DOTCs failure to conduct a public hearing before implementing the fare hikes.

Syjuco argued that the computation basis of the fare hike should have been consulted with stakeholders.

He added that if the high court snubs the petition against the fare hike, the policy will cause "irreparable damage" to the public.

Malacañang had said that the increase in train fares is reasonable and has long been overdue.

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"Hinihingi po natin ang kanilang pag-unawa at pakikiisa dito sa gagawin nating paglalagay sa tama ng pagsingil sa MRT at LRT. ‘Yon naman pong binabalak nilang mga hakbang, basta lang po napapaloob sa mga proseso ng ating batas," Communications Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloa Jr. had said.