Jeepney groups seek P1 fare hike

Jeepney organizations have sought another increase in fares despite being told by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that no further hike would be granted following the adjustments two months ago.

The transport groups said they want a P1 fare increase after pump prices were raised by P1.50 per liter on three successive adjustments.

Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) president Zenaida Maranan and Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) president Melencio Vargas said the soaring price of diesel warrants another increase in fares.

"Hindi na talaga mapipigilan na humingi muli kami ng dagdag na halaga sa pasahe ng jeep dahil sa sunod-sunod na namang taas sa halaga ng produktong petrolyo," Maranan said.

Vargas said another fare increase will compensate for the losses incurred by drivers and operators as a result of expensive oil products.

Efren de Luna, president of Philippine Confederation of Drivers Organization-Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (PCDO-ACTO), said his group will also file a P1 increase petition. – Sandy Araneta