Monday, June 02, 2008 Palace to discuss fare increase with stakeholders
MALACAÑANG said Sunday that proposals of the transport sector to augment either the minimum fare from P8 to P10 or to increase government subsidy from the current P1 to P6 should be carefully studied, assuring that the government is sensitive to their plight.
Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said a dialogue attended by the different stakeholders should first be conducted to thoroughly discuss the matter.
"These are the things that are better resolved through dialogue among the different stakeholders and the concerned government agencies until an equitable agreement is reached. This government listens and is sensitive to the needs of all our people," he said.
Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap) president Zenaida Maranan said their group would file an amended fare hike petition next week to seek an increase in the minimum fare from P8 to P10.
The government last week agreed to a 50- centavo provisional increase that raised minimum fare from P7.50 to P8.
Maranan said they would file their amended petition together with bus transport groups, citing the recent round of hike in pump prices as the main reason. A liter of diesel is now pegged at about P48 while gasoline is priced at P55.
She said in case the fare increase is not allowable, the government may instead consider a P6 per liter subsidy for public transport drivers and operators. The government's proposal earlier was to increase the current subsidy or diesel discounts for PUVs from P1 to P3. (JMR/Sunnex)
