The transport group PISTON Pasay is set to formally file a petition this morning before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) seeking a P10 increase in minimum jeepney fares.
In a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, according to PISTON Pasay President Eduardo Buela, their group is scheduled to proceed to the LTFRB at 11:00 a.m. to submit the petition amid the continued impact of rising global oil prices.
Buela emphasized that despite a slight rollback in fuel prices over the past two weeks, jeepney operators and drivers are still struggling to cope with the high cost of diesel.
He noted that what they need is a reduction of at least P55 per liter in fuel prices to ease their burden.
He added that if the government grants their proposed fare hike, it would significantly help mitigate the effects of the ongoing economic strain on transport workers.
“Syempre [malaking tulong]. Kung susumahin niyo sa panahon ngayon ubod ng taas ang diesel kasi sabi nila bababa ng konti tapos tataas din naman, malaking bagay po. Dapat ang sistema doon gaya ng manggagawa dapat taas din nila ang sahod nila para makaabot din sila,” he said.
The group also called on the government to address the delay in the distribution of the promised P5,000 financial assistance for drivers, as well as difficulties in accessing the service contracting program.
Earlier, PISTON President Mody Floranda told DZRH News that more than 2,000 traditional jeepney drivers remain unable to participate in the program due to their lack of consolidation under the public transport modernization initiative.
The petition comes as transport groups continue to seek government intervention to cushion the impact of fluctuating fuel prices on the public transport sector.
On Saturday, April 18, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has announced another fuel price rollback set to take effect this week.
Marcos said diesel will drop by around ₱24.94 per liter, gasoline by ₱3.41 per liter, and kerosene by ₱2 per liter.
