MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) scheduled a public hearing on a petition filed by transport group Piston seeking a P10 increase in the minimum jeepney fare, its chairman said Tuesday.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the petition would undergo formal review, with commuter groups and other stakeholders invited to submit their positions as part of the regulatory process.
“I have already ordered that it be set for hearing. We will also give commuter groups and other sectors the opportunity to comment,” Mendoza said in an interview, noting the urgency of the request.
The current minimum jeepney fare stands at P13. If approved, the proposed increase would bring it to P23.
Mendoza said fare adjustments were typically guided by fuel price movements, citing a long-standing rule of thumb of a P1 fare increase for every P10 rise in fuel prices. Under this benchmark, a P10 hike would correspond to an estimated P100 increase in fuel costs.
However, he noted that while fuel prices had previously surged to levels that could justify such an adjustment, recent declines could affect the basis of the petition.
The LTFRB chief said the board would weigh the petition against commuter affordability and broader economic conditions.
“We will study that, and most important of all is the balance and affordability for our commuters. Can they afford the additional P10 if we grant it?” he said.
Mendoza also recalled that the board had issued a decision on a fare hike petition more than two years ago, but its implementation was deferred due to concerns over its impact on the public.
He said the timeline for resolving the new petition would depend on the level of opposition. If uncontested, a decision could be reached within two to three months, subject to requirements such as publication notices, consultation with the Office of the Solicitor General, and coordination with economic and labor agencies.
“It depends on the opposition. If there is none, the process will be faster,” he said.
Mendoza warned that any fare increase could have wider economic implications, noting that jeepney fares tend to have a significant inflationary effect due to their widespread use.
