MANILA, Philippines — Commuters will have to pay a minimum fare of P10 come November after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the petition of five transport groups for a fare hike.
In a decision, the LTFRB made permanent the P1 provisional increase granted in July 2018 plus an additional P1, increasing the minimum fare to P10 for commuter jeepneys.
LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III and board member Ronaldo Corpus signed the decision that would take effect 15 days after publication of the order in a newspaper of general circulation.
Representatives from Delgra’s office refused to comment, noting the document that was leaked remains unofficial as it has yet to be signed by the executive director of the LTFRB.
A statement from his office also warned drivers from charging additional fares while the official copy has yet to be released to the public.
“We request drivers to wait until the LTFRB releases the official document on the fare hike before charging additional fare,” the statement read.
The third board member, Aileen Lizada, dissented. She has not provided an explanation.
LTFRB, however, junked the additional P2 fare increase stated in an amended petition of the petitioners for lack of factual and legal basis.
The petitioners sought an increase of the base fare of commuter jeepneys in the National Capital Region and Regions 3 and 4.
In granting the petition, the LTFRB took into consideration the welfare of jeepney operators and drivers. The petitioners cited the rising prices of fuel and the effects of the tax reform law as the reasons for seeking an increase in the base fare.
“The board has to keep the delicate balance between the rights of the riding public who are mostly dependent on the public transport system vis-a-vis the right of grantees of certificate of public convenience to a reasonable return of investment,” the decision read.
Pasang Masda head Roberto Martin welcomed the increase, as it would translate to additional earnings for their drivers.
In a phone interview, he said their drivers usually earn P300 for being on the road the whole day.
“They will definitely earn more money,” said Martin. They expect the new base fare to be effective by the first week of November.
Transport group leaders expect drivers to earn at least P500 a day following the fare hike.