The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) committed to reviewing all outstanding petitions for fare adjustments as public transport operators grapple with soaring operational costs caused by recent fuel price spikes.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II stated that the regulator is re-evaluating requests submitted by various transport federations. These include proposals from Manibela, which held a demonstration on Wednesday, July 22, and Piston, which is seeking a ₱10 fare increase.
“The LTFRB will recompute the appropriate fare adjustments,” Mendoza said during a conference with transport leaders, confirming that Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the review.
Mendoza highlighted existing relief measures, specifically the government’s ongoing ₱10-per-liter fuel subsidy program for jeepneys and UV Express vehicles across the country.
Data shows that roughly 87,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs) have received assistance through the fuel discount initiative, with over 140,000 total units enrolled. Under the scheme, enrolled drivers receive a ₱10 discount per liter on up to 150 liters weekly.
During the dialogue, Mendoza mentioned that the LTFRB is exploring options to expand the subsidy scheme to cover additional public transport sectors nationwide.
Regarding potential fare hikes, Mendoza noted that any official decision requires a delicate balance between operator costs and broader economic impacts, particularly for daily commuters.
“There are factors that will be taken into consideration such as the capacity of the riding public to absorb additional transportation costs and the overall inflationary effects of any amount of fare adjustment to the price of basic goods and services,” Mendoza explained.
He pledged that the regulatory board would work to resolve the pending requests expeditiously.
“What can be assured, however, is that instead of an interim adjustment given the price of petroleum products, the LTFRB will come out with a final resolution in the soonest possible time,” he emphasized.
The consultation was attended by top LTFRB executives, following a separate dialogue Mendoza held with Manibela members following their protest action.