(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend scheduled fare hikes for public transportation, saying the government needs to support commuters, workers and students, and ”everyone who uses our transportation system” during difficult times.
In a video message, Marcos acknowledged the hardships the public is already going through due to rapidly rising fuel prices because of the war in the Middle East. He reassured citizens that the government will ensure no one gets left behind.
“You know, when I woke up this morning, I saw the headlines and what was being discussed was the approved fare hike.... In my opinion, because we still have a problem because of the war in the Middle East, I say maybe this is not the time to raise fares for our countrymen,” he said in Filipino.
“So, I ordered the DOTr to suspend the fare hike and let’s defer it first. Let’s postpone that for now because we are now in the middle of this situation. We need to continue to support our commuters, workers and students, and everyone who uses our transportation system,” he said.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday announced it approved the fare hike for most modes of public land transportation, an increase averaging 19 percent, which was supposed to take effect today, March 19.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza noted the fare increases were based on fuel prices at P75-P80 a liter, the rising cost of spare parts and minimum wage increase.
Despite the suspension, Marcos reassured transport workers that the government would expedite the distribution of assistance to cushion the impact of high pump prices.
“I ordered the DOTr to roll out the free rides all over the Philippines and you can use it first to reduce your daily expenses. For the MRT and LRT, we will discount the fare. In addition to the toll roads, we also have an order for a discount so that fees for using toll roads are decreased,” the president said.
Earlier this week, the president oversaw the distribution of P5,000 cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers and operators in the City of Manila as part of the government’s efforts to help transport workers keep up with the high prices of fuel.
Simultaneous distributions across the country followed led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOTr and local government units.
In addition to the cash aid, the government is rolling out additional support measures to help the public cope with the high cost of fuel.
The government, through the Department of Energy, is also continuing to talk with oil companies to implement a staggered fuel price increase.
“We are always thinking of new ways to ensure that your life is normal, orderly and safe,” Marcos said.
‘Flip-flop’
But the public utility jeepney transport group Manibela criticized the suspension of a planned fare increase, calling it a “flip-flop” policy that reflects a lack of preparation and direction.
In a statement, Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena said the move showed the government was unprepared to address the worsening transport crisis as fuel prices and the cost of basic goods continue to rise.
The group said suspending the fare hike before it could even be implemented leaves both drivers and commuters in a difficult position, with operators facing losses while workers and passengers continue to struggle with rising costs.
“This proves that the government has no preparedness,” Valbuena said.
He said inconsistent policies are worsening the situation on the ground, warning that the transport sector continues to absorb the impact of rising prices for fuel and basic goods.
Valbuena also urged authorities to consider suspending or reviewing fuel-related taxes and policies, including the excise tax, value-added tax and the Oil Deregulation Law, to ease the burden on drivers and operators.
‘Not an easy call’
House Transportation Committee Chairman and Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren said that the decision of the president to suspend the transport fare hike was “not an easy call” as it is about finding the right balance between increasing fares and making sure the economy will not be hurt.
“It’s not an easy call, especially since things can change pretty quickly with what’s happening in the Middle East and how that affects fuel prices,” Pumaren said in a statement to The Manila Times.He added that he is trusting the teams handling finance, transportation and energy “are looking at all sides and trying to come up with the best solution given the situation.” “For my part as transportation chairman, the committee is trying our best to properly allocate and maximize all the available fuel subsidies and aid to the most in need,” Pumaren added.
Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co said that Marcos overturning the fare hike would backfire on him.
“If Marcos intentionally makes it so that drivers don’t earn enough, it’s possible no one will take to the roads anymore and commuters will be left with nothing to ride. This will only accelerate the jeepney phaseout,” Co added.
He said that this is a “classic trapo tactic” aimed at stripping the poor of their livelihood and sprinkling them with a little aid so that they would feel indebted to him in the next election.
“Drivers need a livelihood, not handouts. If diesel prices hit P120 a liter, a driver will spend around P3,600 daily. There will be no income left to take home. That is why VAT and other fuel taxes must be removed and prices must be controlled,” Co said.
Mody Floranda, president of Piston, a jeepney drivers’ union said his group was unhappy with the decision.
“We are dismayed that the president of our country had ruthlessly recalled what his government has granted to us,” he said. WITH AFP
