FILE PHOTO: Commuters onboard public transport in Metro Manila. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — Public utility jeepney drivers or operators who will charge more than the current minimum fare of P9 will face penalties of up to P15,000 and possible suspension or cancellation of their franchises, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned on Wednesday.
LTFRB executive director Kristina Cassion said the minimum fare remains at P9 despite the rising fuel prices as the agency has yet to decide on the petition for a P1 fare hike.
“Pinapaalalahanan natin ang mga drivers and operatos na wala pang pinal na decision ang LTFRB kung kaya ang kasalukuyan na fare natin ay P9 pa rin,” she said in a Laging Handa public briefing.
(We are reminding drivers and operators that there is no final decision yet on the petition for a fare hike so the minimum fare remains at P9.)
“Matuturing na overcharging ang sobrang paniningil,” Cassion added.
(It can be considered as overcharging.)
Overcharging has a penalty of P5,000 on the first offense; P10,000 and impounding of the vehicle on the second offense; and P15,000 and possible suspension or cancellation of the franchise on the third and subsequent offenses, Cassion said.
“Kaya tinatawagan natin ‘yung mga operators and drivers na sana kung ano lang ‘yung tamang singil, ano nakalagay sa fare matrix, ‘yun lang muna ang isingil sa publiko,” she said.
(We are calling on operators and drivers to charge the amount that is in their fare matrix.)
She said commuters may report overcharging drivers and operators by calling on their hotline 1342. They would need to report the plate or case number of the vehicle so the LTFRB can issue a show-cause order.
“Kung sakaling may magreklamo sa atin ay mag-issue ng show cause order ang ating LTFRB at i-summon ang operator. Kapag napatunayan talaga ay pagmumultahin sila,” she said.
(If there is a complaint, the LTFRB will issue a show cause order and it will summon the operator. Once it is proven that they overcharged, they will be penalized.)