Unauthorized fare cut is prohibited—LTFRB

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned that an unauthorized reduction of minimum jeepney fare to P7.50, though laudable, could land them in court for undercharging.

Transport group Pasang Masa earlier said its members could cut the minimum by P0.50 if the diesel prices would continue to go down.

While Malacañang lauded Pasang Masda’s statement, LTFRB spokesperson Sonia Del Mundo said it has to go through a process.

“It’s good that they have the initiative. They are generous and understand the need of the riding public. But to avoid conflict or confusion, the LTFRB should be informed [because] the LTFRB is tasked to regulate fares,” Del Mundo told Radyo Inquirer 990AM Friday.

“We have a condition stated in their [public utility vehicles] certificate of public convenience. If they will unilaterally reduce the fares, they may be facing a case of undercharging for violating the conditions in their certificate,” she said.

Petitions for a decrease in minimum fare of jeepneys to P7.50 if the price of diesel goes down to P36 per liter has been filed before the LTFRB.

Del Mundo said within two weeks, the regulatory body would conduct a hearing on the fare cut petition.

In May, transport groups lowered the minimum fare from P8.50 to P8.00 as oil prices fell in the world market.