Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Editorials: Time for LTFRB to act
SOME transport groups, obviously worried of public condemnation, are beginning to soften on their previous stance to oppose any reduction in fare of public utility vehicles in the wake of the plunge in the price of petroleum products.
But ever so wily, they are looking for ways, probably with the help of officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), to ensure the lowest fare reduction will be granted, like say a measly P0.50.
Of course, the most noisy are public utility jeepney operators and drivers, who got a windfall the last time around when LTFRB jacked up the minimum fare by a total of P2 when prices of petroleum products also soared months ago.
Opposition
These vociferous groups were the same ones that were vehement in their criticism of former LTFRB regional director Manuel Iway, who petitioned, on behalf of the poor passengers, for a fare reduction after prices of oil plunged.
After getting flak for their selfish stance and amid the lack of logic for their opposition to fare reduction, they are now seeking a measly fare reduction.
PUJs, however, are not the only concern because people from the provinces, like farmers and ordinary workers, have been affected most by previous fare hikes (taxi fares need to be tackled, too, but PUJ and PUB fares should be prioritized).
At the center of the brewing issue is the LTFRB, whose officials seem to be taking their own sweet time deciding on the petitions filed for fare reductions.
In Cebuano, the apt description for this dilly-dallying seems to be “padugang sa pusta,” whose meaning and insinuation is actually not flattering for these officials.
Conspiracy
Like what oil firms have been doing, maneuvering to slow down reduction in the prices of petroleum products to maximize profits, LTFRB, too, seems to be doing the tango with transport operators and drivers to also maximize the latter’s “profits.”
With the volatility in the prices of oil in the world market, there is no assurance prices of petroleum products won’t rise again, that is why ordinary people need to enjoy the benefits of current prices while it lasted.
Unfortunately, there seems to be conspiracy to deprive them of that chance.
That is what makes the continuing inaction of LTFRB doubly condemnable.
