THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered a nationwide public consultation on the fare increase petitions by public utility vehicles.
LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II said such consultations must be held at the soonest possible time, and instructed all regional directors to make sure that all stakeholders are invited for the discussions.
In the case of the LTFRB central office in Quezon City, the public consultation will be held on Nov. 10 and is expected to be attended by as many concerned sectors to ensure a wide exchange of ideas in relation to the petitions.
“We already issued a board resolution for the conduct of the public consultation on Nov. 10 here at the central office. We will make sure that all concerned sectors will be present,” Mendoza said.
“While we understand the concerns raised by those in the PUV sector since the prices of gasoline and vehicle spare parts are constantly increasing, we also need to hear the views of everyone who will be affected by fare increases,” he added.
The issuance of an LTFRB board resolution for the conduct of public consultation stemmed from the accounting of all pending motions and petitions based on the order of Mendoza.
Based on the result, the LTFRB has received several petitions from various PUV operators, particularly from buses, jeepneys, taxis and other transport service providers for the increase in fares.
“It is unacceptable that only one side (should) be heard in this matter, and that it is even more unacceptable that all stakeholders are not given the opportunity to express their opinions because everyone will be affected by any decision on fare increases,” Mendoza said.
“Our Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has strictly instructed that action must be taken immediately on any grievances raised by the public so we will ensure that we have quick results of the public consultation and recommendations regarding this,” he added.
Mendoza directed all regional directors that the result of the public consultation in every region, including the recommendations, must be on his desk by Nov. 14.
He said they are targeting to submit the LTFRB position and recommendations to Lopez on Nov. 18.
