Top officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), led by chairman Vigor Mendoza II, will meet with leaders of at least seven major transport groups today, Aug. 3, to discuss the pending fare hike petitions for public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Mendoza said the hearing is in compliance with the instruction of DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez to review and recompute the requested fare increase, based on the petitions filed by various transport groups.
“The goal has always been to come up with the best measures that are acceptable not only to the PUV community but also to all the concerned sectors, particularly the commuters because of the continuous challenge that we face as a result of the situation in the Middle East,” he added. “This is also proof of the sensitivity of the national government to the concerns of those in the PUV sector, which we deem as valid and logical.”
Mendoza said the hearing covers almost all modes of public land transportation operating in the country.
The public utility jeepneys, for instance, are represented by Piston and Manibela while the UV Express will be represented by Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, 997 Sandigan Transport Cooperative and UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines. Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative will also represent the air-conditioned taxi with Light of Glory Transport Service, Inc. while the motorcycle taxi will be represented by United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines.
Mendoza said that invitations for the hearing were already sent to the concerned transport groups, as well as other groups, government agencies, and stakeholders.
All the named transport groups have pending fare hike petitions before the LTFRB, all filed between March to July this year.
“The purpose of the hearing is to receive evidence, comments, and the respective positions of all interested parties regarding the pending petition,” Mendoza said.
Comments and objections to the fare hike adjustments will be entertained as part of the due process and hearing protocol.
But he encouraged those who wish to do so to submit written position papers and supporting documents, in accordance with the rules of the Board. “We in the LTFRB assure that we will always pursue the path of fairness and impartiality to come up with the best solution that is acceptable to all parties concerned.” ||
