Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday started deliberations on fare hike petitions filed by five major transport groups amid rising operational costs due to global fuel price shocks.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II stated that the board has initiated the review of all pending petitions following instructions from Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. Mendoza emphasized the urgency, saying, "We have to come up with the recommendation in the soonest possible time." The petitions under review involve fare adjustments for passenger jeepneys, passenger buses, UV Express, taxis, and motorcycle taxis.

The five petitioners include Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, Metro Comet Transport Service Cooperative, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines, United Transportation Coalition of the Philippines, and Manibela. Mendoza highlighted the objective of reaching a consensus on fare adjustments that would be acceptable to all sectors involved, including public utility vehicle operators, commuters, and other stakeholders. The deliberations will consider the inflationary effects and the ability of commuters to afford the fare hikes.

Mendoza assured the public that the LTFRB would strive to balance the interests of the PUV sector while safeguarding the welfare of commuters and the general public. As part of the process, the LTFRB plans to consult with other stakeholders and government agencies before submitting their recommendation to the Department of Transportation.

The deliberation is in line with Lopez's earlier directive for the LTFRB to recompute appropriate fare adjustments, particularly focusing on petitions from Manibela and PISTON, and to issue a final resolution instead of an interim adjustment. In his State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the impact of fuel price volatility on the transport sector, noting that drivers, operators, passengers, and businesses have been significantly affected by the price surges.

To mitigate these challenges, the government has introduced measures such as a PHP10-per-liter diesel subsidy for passenger jeepneys and UV Express units, cash relief through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program benefiting over 1.8 million drivers, and the revival of the Service Contracting Program.