City dads to join fare hike hearing

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council will make a representation in the fare hike hearing on June 24, acting mayor Edgardo Labella confirmed yesterday.

Chairman of the committee on transportation, Councilor Gerardo Carillo, will attend the public hearing on the petition to increase the minimum jeepney fare to P10 from the current P7.50.

“Council chairman on transportation or any members of the council to appear before that matter, because those who will be affected are most especially residents of Cebu City. It is important that the city council will be represented in the hearing. Perhaps voice out whatever observations, apprehensions in connection with the increase,” Labella said.

According to Labella, members of the City Council will come up with their own stand on the proposed fare increase based on what would transpire in the forthcoming public hearing.

The acting mayor, for his part, expressed disapproval over the petition. “Maayo lang unta wa usa’y increase to lessen the burdens of our constituents,” he said.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has set the public hearing 19 days from now and has urged students, laborers, senior citizens, housewives and affected riding public to take part in the said gathering.

“The chairman (Carillo) will listen if justifiable ba ang increase and if additional burden sa atong mga constituents,” Labella said.

“We will hear from that hearing some inputs so that it would also guide us on what things to be done; so that the council would be guided on what kind of legislative intervention to undertake by way of resolution or ordinance,” he added.

He said that pursuant to the general welfare provisions, the city government has the “right to question” LTFRB or any agencies’ decision if this will cause a lot of burden to the affected consumers.

“LGU (Local government unit) can still question because of the provisions of the Local Government Code, which is to promote harmony, general welfare,” Labella explained.

LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon’s recommendation to the head office will be based on the arguments that will be presented during the public hearing. — (FREEMAN)