P10 is new PUJ minimum fare in NCR, Central Luzon, Calabarzon starting June 9

MANILA, Philippines — Starting June 9, minimum fare in public utility jeepneys (PUJ) would be P10 as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved Wednesday the P1 provisional hike.

The fare increase will cover PUJs operating in Metro Manila, Region 3 (Central Luzon), and Region 4 (Calabarzon), as stated in an order signed by LTFRB chair Martin Delgra III on June 8.

“Upon careful consideration, finding the Omnibus Motion for Consideration and to Suspend Proceedings to be meritorious and pursuant to Section 5 (c) of Executive Order No. 202 in relation to Section 16 (c) of the Commonwealth Act 146 otherwise known as ‘The Public Service Act’ as amended, the Board hereby resolved to consider, lift and set aside the Order dated 21 March 2022 and GRANTS the prayer for ONE PESOS (P1.00) PROVISIONAL FARE INCREASE,” the order states.

According to the LTFRB, while it recognizes the “plight” of the public every time an increase in commodity prices such as public transport occurs, “it cannot be insensitive to the clamor and plight of the PUV operators and drivers who are responsible [for] ensuring a steady supply of public transport services.”

It noted that it is the PUJs that carry the most number of commuters on a daily basis.

“It is the mandate and duty of the LTFRB to judiciously balance the economic viability of the industry versus the welfare of the riding public,” said the LTFRB.

Police watch for looters

Some 87 policemen have been deployed to ashfall-affected areas in Sorsogon to deter looters.

“We are [trying to avoid] the looting that usually happens in areas where there are calamities, whether it is manmade or natural disasters. This is to ensure that the lawbreakers are not going to proliferate in the area,” Police Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, the Philippine National Police director for operations, told reporters. He added that more policemen were on standby.

In a separate statement, the PNP said the Bicol police was on full alert following the eruption with the Bulusan police station continuously monitoring developments “for possible evacuation, search and rescue operations of affected residents.”

Specifically, the LTFRB order on a provisional fare increase states:

• Public Utility Jeepney (modernized or traditional utility jeepneys) services authorized to operate within the territorial jurisdiction of the National Capital Region, Region III, and Region IV are authorized to increase but no increase in the succeeding kilometers. This puts the minimum fare at P10 for the first four kilometers;
• ALL PUJ operators/drivers operating within the regional jurisdiction as stated above must conspicuously display the “NOTICE of PROVISIONAL FARE INCREASE” inside their authorized units that can be fully viewed by the riding public;
• The provisional fare increase shall be exclusive to the National Capital Region, Region III, and Region IV PUJs services, the existing authorized fare shall remain for all other regions;
• The usual discount for qualified Filipinos (e.g. PWD, Senior Citizens, students et al) must be granted upon presentation of valid identification cards;
• In the imposition of the provisional fare the franchise grantee shall comply with the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Public Convenience, the Public Service Act, and all issuance by the Board.

The provisional fare increase comes after various transport organizations lodged their petitions amid the many rounds of oil price hikes triggered, among others, by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The LTFRB said it will continue to hear, deliberate, and resolve other issues contained in the petitions.