MANILA, Philippines — Public utility jeepney (PUJ) transport group Manibela on Wednesday hit the government’s 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 basic goods continued to rise.
The group said suspending the fare hike before it could even be implemented left both drivers and commuters in a difficult position, with operators facing losses while workers and passengers continued to struggle with rising costs.
“This proves that the government has no preparedness,” Valbuena said.
Valbuena said inconsistent policies were worsening the situation on the ground, warning that the transport sector continues to absorb the impact of rising fuel prices and basic goods.
He said the government should instead address the root causes of the problem, particularly the continued increase in oil prices and the low wages of workers.
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.
He called for immediate interventions such as price controls on fuel and basic goods, a P200 wage relief for workers, and the proper distribution of subsidies for drivers and operators.
Valbuena said long-term solutions were needed to stabilize the transport sector, stressing that livelihoods should not be treated as an experiment through inconsistent policies.