THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Visayas will hear on Oct. 15 the Basak-Lapu-Lapu City Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association’s (Balacjoda) petition for a P2.50 provisional increase in minimum fare.
Balacjoda cited the series of price increases in petroleum products and spare parts as reasons for the petition.
Today, the price of diesel increased by P1.35 per liter, while gasoline price at P1, and kerosene at P1.10.
As of now, the minimum fare for PUJ’s is P6.50, while senior citizens pay P6. If Balacjoda’s petition will be approved, the minimum fare will be P9 for the first five kilometers.
LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said the public consultation on Oct. 15 will start at 1 p.m. at the regional office at the North Reclamation Area.
He said his office had invited representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen) to help hear Balacjoda’s petition.
Montealto said it will be Neda that will decide on whether it is time to increase the fare based on last month’s data.
The director is urging students, senior citizens, laborers and consumer groups to attend the public hearing so they can listen to Balacjoda’s petition.
“Careful kaayo mi mo-decide ana. Kinahanglan balanse para walay moreklamo (We’re careful with our decision. It needs to be balanced so no one will complain),” said Montealto.
Metudlo Belarmino, Balacjoda’s consultant and spokesperson of Cebu Labor Coalition, said they also sent a communication to the SolGen to avoid technicalities with the public hearing. (SCG)