The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has begun an investigation into eight bus companies accused of increasing fares without proper approval, following complaints received during the Holy Week travel period.
In a report by RH Val Gonzales on DZRH's Rapido Hataw Balita, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that no bus company in the country is authorized to implement fare increases without regulatory consent.
In an ambush interview during a fuel subsidy distribution event for operators of modern and traditional jeepneys and UV Express units, Lopez said he has ordered a formal probe into the matter. He added that show cause orders will be issued to the concerned operators.
“Imbestigahan sila, kailangan namin sulatan sila i-show cause order at ito, nakikiusap na rin ako sa bus operator ang ating pamasahe po ay regulated," Lopez said.
Lopez reminded bus operators that the government has not approved a fare hike yet and that overcharging may be a ground for franchise suspension or revocation.
“So, ang pagpapataw ng pamasahe na higit doon sa aprubadong pamasahe ay ‘yan po ay sinasabi natin na overcharge and maybe a ground for suspension or revocation of your franchise. So iwasan po natin yan,” he added.
The statement came after reports that some operators imposed higher fares amid the surge of passengers traveling to the provinces for Semana Santa.
At least eight bus companies operating at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) have been reported to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for allegedly charging passengers beyond approved rates.
These companies primarily serve routes to the Bicol region, according to Lopez.
The DOTr chief warned that imposing fares higher than those approved by regulators constitutes overcharging and may result in penalties, including suspension or revocation of franchises.
Aside from the eight companies flagged at PITX, authorities are also looking into reports that some bus operators charge up to ₱44 more than the standard fare for trips from Cubao to Central Luzon.
The DOTr chief appealed to passengers, especially those traveling during the Holy Week exodus, to report incidents of unauthorized fare increases. Complaints may be filed through official social media channels of the DOTr, LTFRB, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
“Sa ating mga kababayan naman po na biktima o nakaranas ng ganitong pagtataas ng mga pamasahe na walang pahintuloy mula sa LTFRB, LTO, DOTr, sa ating mga social media accounts,” he said.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DOTr to suspend planned fare hikes in public transportation to ease the financial burden on commuters amid rising oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
