Jeenpneys in Baguio City (File photo dated July 19, 2023)
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) decision on the petition for a provisional increase in jeepney fares may be known next week.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III made the pronouncement on Thursday after the agency tackled several transport groups’ petitions for PUJ (public utility jeepney) fare hikes in a hearing.
According to Guadiz, whatever their decision will be, the verdict will be effective nationwide.
“Whether humingi ka ng provisional remedy na piso o dalawang piso na increase, whatever is the decision, it will be for the entire nation,” Guadiz said in a press conference after the hearing.
(Whether you ask for a provisional remedy of P1 or P2 increase, whatever the decision is, it will be for the entire nation.)
“Possible po next week, meron na po [decision]. Depende po sa decision ng board at ebidensya na ibibigay sa ’min ng transport groups,” he added.
(It is possible that there will be a [decision] next week. It depends on the board’s decision and the evidence that the transport groups will give us.)
There are two different petitions currently being studied by LTFRB.
One is from the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), and Stop&Go proposes a permanent increase of P2 in the base fare of PUJs nationwide.
The second petition was filed by Pasang Masda, Association of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto), Pasang Masda, and Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap) seeking a base fare increase of P5 and P1 for every succeeding kilometer.
The second plea covers only the traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila.
Pasang Masda, Acto, and Altodap sought a one-peso provisional increase.
Another hearing is set for October 3.
Acto, Pasang Masda, and Altodap were asked to submit a supplementary petition.
The additional document will include a fare hike request for all PUJs nationwide, not just Metro Manila.
Asked when the permanent fare hike proposals will be decided, Guadiz responded it would take longer than the provisional increase, especially as separate petitions for it have been filed.
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