Cagayan de oro: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 (Northern Mindanao) announced on Monday that it will increase the taxi flag-down rate in the region from PHP40 to PHP50.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB-10 Assistant Director Mohammad Hajam Sarip explained in a radio interview that the fare increase had been approved since last year under a memorandum circular. However, stakeholders previously appealed for its deferral. "Now that we are experiencing a fuel crisis, taxi groups have again appealed that it's time to implement the increase," Sarip stated.

Taxi groups have also requested that the LTFRB-10 provide a fare matrix showing the increase, which they wish to display for transparency. In response to the rising fuel costs, members of the Cagayan de Oro First Taxi Drivers Alliance visited the LTFRB-10 office, seeking to sustain the fuel subsidy until oil prices stabilize.

LTFRB-10 Director Alexes Joseph Bendijo expressed appreciation for the drivers' and operators' patience and understanding, acknowledging the technical challenges faced in finalizing the list of beneficiaries for the cash assistance.