00:00 The government is neither deaf nor oblivious to the plight of the underprivileged, especially
00:04 those hardest hit by the successive increase in the price of petroleum products.
00:09 Thus for some in the transport sector, there's a ray of hope as the LTFRB is now reviewing
00:14 fare hike petitions for possible approval.
00:17 Joshua Garcia has more.
00:22 The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, or LTFRB, is already studying the fare
00:28 increase requests of jeepney drivers and operators.
00:33 According to LTFRB Technical Division Chief Joel Bulano, the petition they received today
00:37 from the transport groups may proceed to a court hearing as part of the process before
00:42 they issue a decision.
00:44 Bulano further explained that consecutive oil price hikes in the last four weeks will
00:49 be a huge factor in the deliberations and the eventual decision as they continue conducting
00:53 studies in cooperation with other government agencies.
01:17 Although no one knows how long the process will take, the LTFRB and Department of Transportation
01:22 are already preparing for the fuel subsidy to be given to jeepney drivers and operators
01:27 hopefully within this month.
01:45 According to Kaobet Martin of Pasong Mazda, they are only asking for a professional increase
01:50 to cushion the impact on commuters who will have to pay more for their jeep and bus rides.
02:12 Meanwhile jeepney drivers have mixed opinions on this.
02:16 For Nelson, the 1 to 2 peso increase is not commensurate or not enough compared to the
02:21 current pump prices that have spiked in the last four weeks particularly for diesel.
02:33 As for Melvin, he said the increase will definitely jack up his expenses.
02:37 However, he's more concerned or worried on ridership since the passengers will also be
02:42 hit hard by a fare increase.
02:59 While not in effect as of yet, some can't help but complain soon as they heard of the
03:05 proposed fare increase.
03:26 Meanwhile the LTFRB also assures their decision will be fair and balanced to benefit both
03:31 public utility operators and passengers.
03:34 Joshua Garcia for The Nation.
