TRANSPORT groups representing jeepney drivers and operators on Wednesday assured the House of Representatives that they would keep present fares despite the huge increase in fuel prices on Tuesday.
Officials of Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkakaisang Terminal ng Transportation (Manibela) and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators (LTOP) made the commitment during a hearing of the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren.
Officials of the Department of Transportation briefed the committee on the government’s fuel subsidy program for the public transportation sector and Libreng Sakay (free rides) for commuters.
Mar Valbuena, founder and president of Manibela, told the committee that jeepney drivers are now losing at least P400 of their P800 daily income due to the recent fuel price increase.
However, they said they can keep present fare rates provided that they receive financial assistance from the government like a fuel subsidy.
“Last resort na po ang fare increase,” he said.
He said without government help, they would be forced to petition the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for a P2 increase in the minimum fare, from P13 to P15.
Valbuena’s statement was supported by LTOP president Orlando Marquez Sr.
“Sang-ayon po kami. Last resort po ang fare increase,” Marquez said.
Valbuena said that, aside from a fuel subsidy, they expect President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. to take action. Marcos Jr. to soon suspend excise taxes on oil products once authorized to do so by Congress.
On Tuesday, the House Committee on Ways and Means consolidated 17 excise tax-related measures and endorsed a substitute bill giving the President authority to suspend or reduce fuel levies amid rising oil prices in the world and domestic markets.
A suspension would mean a reduction in pump prices of P6 per liter for diesel and P10 per liter for gasoline. The retail rates of other oil products will also undergo reductions of varying amounts.
A DOTr representative informed the Pumaren panel that they are now determining how much fuel subsidy each transport operator and driver would receive.
He said in the past, operators of traditional jeepneys received P5,000, while owners of modernized jeepneys were given P10,000.
He said the DOTr, in coordination with concerned agencies and transport organizations, is now preparing for the rollout of the program, which aims to provide financial assistance to transport operators and drivers affected by rising fuel prices.
