THE side of the commuters and jeepney drivers should be considered when addressing the petition to raise the fare from P7.50 for the first four kilometers to P10.
“We also have to consider the plight of the daily commuters who have to shell out an additional P2.50 to the existing P7.50. We also have to consider the situation of the jeepney drivers. The price of gasoline is increasing,” said Governor Hilario Davide III.
Opposition
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Central Visayas will hold a public hearing today (June 24, 2014) on the petition filed by the Cebu Integrated Transport Service Cooperative (Citrasco).
“There’s got to be a balance... I hope they can meet halfway. Maybe P2.50 is too high for most of our commuters,” Davide said, adding that the government cannot regulate fuel prices, which depend on the world market.
In earlier reports, some workers and teachers opposed the proposed fare hike.
The Teachers Dignity Coalition pointed out that the P10-minimum fare will not be feasible in Cebu, which has a lower minimum wage compared to Manila.
The Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines also opposed the petition because it will affect the purchasing power of workers and reduce their take-home pay.
Participation sought
Meanwhile, LTFRB-Central Visayas Director Ahmed Cuizon said they’ve invited labor groups, consumer groups, student councils, commuter organizations, among others, to participate in today’s public hearing, which will be held at the Cebu Normal University at 9:30 a.m.
Earlier, transport leaders said they would only file a petition for fare adjustment if the price of diesel reached P45 per liter.
In the petition, Citrasco chairman Benjamin Ryan Yu cited the increasing prices of fuel, spare parts and tires.
As of Monday, diesel cost P41.90 per liter, compared to P43 per liter last month.
During the transport summit in Cebu last month, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the LTFRB central office in Manila has the last say on the petition, but it is authorizing Cuizon to conduct the hearing in Cebu and to submit a recommendation. (FMG/EOB)