MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday advised commuters who are against the increase in jeepney and bus fares to file an appeal before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The LTFRB approved last week fare increases for public utility vehicles as consumers are bearing the brunt of rising prices of oil and basic commodities. The new fares will take effect next month.
“Perhaps what they should do is to file a motion for reconsideration and argue their case,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
He said the LTFRB needs to look after the interests of bus and jeepney operators as well as the riding public.
“According to the LTFRB, the fare hike will have little effect on inflation,” Panelo said.
The minimum fare for jeepney in Metro Manila, Central and Southern Luzon was raised to P10 from P9.
The bus fares increased to P11 from P10 for ordinary trips and P13 from P12 for airconditioned trips.
The minimum fare for provincial buses stayed at P9 for the first five kilometers, but the rate for every succeeding kilometer increased to P1.55 from P1.40.