By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday (Jan. 4) allayed fears over the possibility of fare hikes reaching Php50 following the implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
LTFRB Chief Teofilo Guadiz III noted that the projection made by a commuter group is “statistically impossible” as he assured the public that imposing such exorbitant fare will never happen.
“Napakalayo po ng Php15 sa Php50. Ang ganyang nilulutang ng commuter group ay walang katotohanan. That’s statistically impossible na mag-impose ang modern jeepneys ng ganyang ka-exorbitant na pasahe,” Guadiz said.
The LTFRB chairperson stressed that in coming up with fare hike projections, a study must be conducted and various factors must be assessed.
“Where are they getting their data? Pinag-aralan ba nila iyan? You just can’t blurt out things like that,” Guadiz added.
The LTFRB chairman said that assessments like this must be backed by data so as not to bring alarm to the public, especially the commuters.
“The minimum fare for a Traditional Jeep is Php9, whereas a Modern Jeep costs Php11 since the beginning of PUV modernization in 2017. The minimum fare for a Traditional Jeep is Php13, while a modern Jeep is Php15 after six years (2023). Ang Php2 difference and never pong nagbago,” Guadiz emphasized.
“Noon pa man ay binabalanse na ng LTFRB ang pangangailangan ng mga tsuper at komyuter kapag tumataas ang presyo ng petrolyo. Kaya naman ho, walang lohika ang sinasabi nilang Php50 na pamasahe sa loob ng limang taon. Statistically impossible ho talaga iyon,” he pointed out.
Likewise, Guadiz assured that the LTFRB remains committed to providing better service to the people, saying that no unreasonable fare hikes will be implemented that would only add burden to the commuters.
