ILOILO City – The proposal to increase the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys to P15 from the current P13 has garnered mixed reactions from drivers, passengers, and transport group associations.
The Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) has officially filed a petition for the fare hike with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
ALTODAP president Boy Vargas said the LTFRB informed him that the petition is under review, and a decision is pending.
A variety of stakeholders, including transport associations, drivers, and passengers, have expressed their views.
Edgar Salarda, president of a jeepney association plying the route Jaro CPU- Iloilo City, emphasized the importance of a balanced review.
“The LTFRB should thoroughly study the petition before making a decision, considering its impact on both drivers and passengers. We are aware of the fluctuating petroleum prices, which significantly affect drivers. However, we don’’t want to appear selfish; a comprehensive study is necessary,” Salarda told 8Panay News.
Salarda, who manages over 27 traditional jeepney units, admitted that the fare increase would benefit drivers by potentially increasing their take-home pay.
The daily fuel spending of traditional jeepney drivers averages between P1,200 to P1,400, he said.
Yet, Salarda also expressed concern about the fare hike’s impact on daily commuters, including his family.
“We must consider drivers like myself, who have families and children commuting to school daily. This increase will significantly affect the riding public,” said Salarda.
Raymundo “Boyet” Parcon, head of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative, argued against the necessity of a fare increase, pointing to the instability of fuel prices.
“It would be unfair to passengers if we raise the fare now and then the fuel prices drop in the following weeks. Our goal is not to exploit our commuters. We would only consider a fare hike if fuel prices reach between P75 to P80 per liter,” Parcon said in an interview with DYOK Aksyon Radyo Iloilo.
A liter currently costs P58.75, he said.
At the moment in Iloilo City, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys is P13 and for mini-bus, P15.
Christine Lunasco, a resident of Leganes, Iloilo, and an office clerk, opposed a fare increase, pointing out the added financial burden on commuters.
“I am not in favor because the cost is already high, and this will only add to our daily expenses. Every penny counts,” Lunasco said.
Conversely, Jhon Ray Bayate, a 26-year-old driver from the Lapuz district, supported the fare hike proposal.
“Any driver would favor this proposal because it directly benefits us, especially given the rising fuel costs. We hope this increase gets approved so we can recover some of our income,” Bayate said.
LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago assured the public that the Board is diligently reviewing the petition.
“All fare hike requests undergo a thorough study and scrutiny by the Board. Rest assured that the LTFRB will address this, but it will require a comprehensive review and approval process,” said Pialago.
The recent increase in fuel prices has prompted discussions on subsidies for the public transportation sector, with the LTFRB awaiting guidance from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regarding a P1.6 billion fund for subsidies following recent fuel price increases.
Chester Catigan from Mandurriao district, Iloilo City acknowledged the double-edged nature of the fare hike.
“It has its pros and cons. It can help drivers cope with rising fuel costs, but it’s a disadvantage to daily commuters,” he said.
Catigan argued that if a fare increase were implemented, it should apply to all types of transportation since they all consume fuel.
Marylou Sumbing, an employee at the Iloilo provincial capitol, saw no issue with the fare increase, viewing it as a necessary support for drivers amidst soaring fuel prices.
“I’m okay with it,” Sumbing commented, drawing a parallel to tipping service workers.
On the other hand, Drexie Camacho, a 22-year-old college student from Cabatuan, Iloilo, opposed the fare hike.
“For a student like me, the P2 increase is significant. If I take two jeepney rides to the city, that’s an extra P4 daily. It adds up over a week,” said Camacho.
Joenivic Licanda, a 50-year-old driver from Mandurriao, supported the increase, citing the weekly surge in gasoline prices.
He said his daily fuel expense could reach up to P1,600, so the fare hike would significantly benefit drivers like him.
Reynald Dalogo, a driver from Barangay Taft North, Mandurriao, also voiced strong support for the fare increase.
“Our earnings are barely enough to take home because of the weekly fuel price hikes,” Dalogo shared, noting his daily fuel expenses range from P1,500 to P1,600. (With an additional report from GMA Integrated News)/PN
