THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI said Monday the petition to increase the fare is still pending approval in the central office.
LTFRB XI regional director Nonito Llanos said an additional fare increase is being reconsidered due to the situation of petroleum prices.
“Hopefully, anytime soon, ang atong central office magpagawas og direktiba kung kanus-a ug aduna bay pag increase,” Llanos said in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio.
He added that the LTFRB is awaiting the study from the National Economic Development Authority on the feasibility of the fare hike.
“Nagahulat pa sila sa opinion sa NEDA kay dako kaayo ang kalambigitan sa atong ekonomiya og magpataas ta sa atong pletehan, maong involved gyud sa pagtuon ang atong NEDA,” he stressed.
However, Llanos did not specify the amount of the requested increase. He noted the case in 2023 when a P5 fare hike was proposed, but only P1 was approved.
Llanos said public utility vehicles should not charge an increase pending approval, or they will be subject to penalties.
“Dako kaayo ng bawal. That’s overcharging, dako kaayo ng violations sa franchise conditions,” he added.
This also includes those who will not provide the discount to students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizen commuters.
Violators who will be reported by commuters will be sent show cause orders, and if found guilty, will be charged P5,000. To address the effects of rising fuel prices, the government will be rolling out a P2.5-billion fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicles.
Llanos said possible beneficiaries from the region are more than 10,000 units across all denominations.
