Jeepney fare hike looms

MANILA - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will meet today to discuss the 2-peso fare hike petition of jeepney groups. Speaking to radio DZMM, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said they will not be able to schedule a hearing under next month. Ginez said a decision on the petition for a provision 50-centavo increase should be expected next week. "Pagme-meetingan namin ngayong umaga at ng aming board. Maglalabas kami ng notice of hearing. Kailangan itong ipublish sa newspaper para lahat ng interesado makadalo. 15 araw mapublish before hearing," he said. "Dahil sa kakulangan ng panahon ngayong buwan ng Disyembre kaunti na lang ang natitirang working days, sa 1st week or 2nd week na ito ng January magiging hearing nito. Pagkatangap ng petitioners dapat nila agad ipublish." Jeepney groups have threatened to hold a strike if their petition is junked. Currently, the minimum jeepney fare costs 8 pesos for the first four kilometers and an additional 1 peso and 40 centavos per succeeding kilometer. The groups want the minimum fare increased to 10 pesos plus one peso and 75 centavos per succeeding kilometer. "Ngayon naitatanong ninyo paano yan sabay sabay na. Problema ito ng ating pamahalaan pagkat ayaw nilang kumilos. Kya namin ito ginawawa wala silang pag aksyon sa amin," said Fejodap national president Zenaida Maranan. The petition only covers the National Capital Region and Regions 3 and 4. It does not include Regions 5, 6,7,9 and Caraga where some areas are still reeling from recent calamities.