QUEZON CITY — Public transport operators who fail to maintain basic service levels during upcoming nationwide transport strikes face stiff administrative penalties, including hefty fines, temporary suspensions, or full cancellation of their franchises.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued the stern reminder on Sunday, September 27, cautioning franchise holders against abandoning their public service obligations.
LTFRB Acting Chairperson Greg Pua Jr. emphasized that operating public transport routes is a mandatory requirement under granted certificates of public convenience.
Operators who fail to deployed required trips will be issued show-cause orders and penalized.
“Actually, nakalagay yan sa kanilang prangkisa na huwag matigil yung pagbibigay serbisyo nila. Shino-show cause natin yan at ang minimum po diyan ay ₱5,000 sa first offense,” Pua stated in a radio interview.
Pua detailed a escalating disciplinary system for non-compliant transport providers: a minimum fine of ₱5,000 for a first offense, route suspension for a second infraction, and potential franchise revocation for a third offense. Furthermore, any transport operator whose active fleet falls below 60 percent during a designated period risks being formally cited for franchise abandonment.
The regulatory warning arrives ahead of planned transport protests by major driver associations. Manibela scheduled a three-day strike running from September 28 to 30, while PISTON slated its protests for September 29 and 30.
The impending labor actions coincide with official fare adjustments taking effect across multiple public utility vehicles starting Monday.
Under the revised rate structures, traditional jeepney fares will increase to a ₱14 base fare for the first four kilometers, with a ₱2 rate added per succeeding kilometer. Modernized jeepneys will adjust their base fare to ₱17 alongside a ₱2.40 per-kilometer distance fee.
Provisional rate increases will also go into effect for UV Express vehicles and taxis, while bus lines are expected to implement higher fare schedules.