Pay hike before fare increase – Pacquiao

Sen. Manny Pacquiao. (Contributed photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Workers’ salaries should be hiked first before an increase in jeepney fares is considered, according to presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

The retired boxing champ-turned-lawmaker made the remarks as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board prepares to hear a petition that seeks to increase jeepney fares by P5.

“I think if we will increase the fares, we should also increase workers’ salaries so that they will not be burdened so much. The jeepney drivers are suffering, too,” he said in a press briefing.

Pacquiao was responding to a P5 jeepney fare hike petition filed by transport groups, which cited the recent fuel price hikes as a reason for increasing jeepney fares.

RELATED STORY

LTFRB to hear jeepney fare hike petitions on Mar. 8