LONG-OVERDUE HIKE: Iloilo transport groups say fare hike is late, insufficient

ILOILO CITY — Higher fares for public utility vehicles (PUVs) took effect nationwide Monday, but transport groups in Iloilo City said the increase is long overdue and remains insufficient to offset rising fuel and operating costs.

Fare adjustments for PUVs are set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC), one of the transport cooperatives in Iloilo City, confirmed to Daily Guardian that it implemented the fare increase Monday, with the provisional fare matrix posted in its traditional and modernized units.

For traditional jeepneys, the minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers increased from PHP 13 to PHP 14, while the rate for each succeeding kilometer rose from PHP 1.80 to PHP 2.

For modernized jeepneys, the minimum fare increased from PHP 15 to PHP 17, while the rate for each succeeding kilometer went up from PHP 2.20 to PHP 2.40.

Modernized units are part of the government’s PUV Modernization Program, launched in 2017, which requires operators to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations and replace aging vehicles with newer ones that meet updated safety and emission standards.

WVTC president Raymundo Parcon said the cooperative had long been seeking a fare increase.

“We have been waiting for this for so long. We have been petitioning for this since last year. In February, the president announced a PHP 2 increase, but that was not implemented. Now, we are thankful, and this is a good thing for our part,” Parcon said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier suspended the planned fare increase, which would have raised fares by PHP 1 for traditional jeepneys and PHP 2 for modernized jeepneys, before it could take effect March 19.

Asked whether the increase was enough, Parcon said the cooperative had proposed a PHP 5 increase in its petition.

“It is not enough on our part … But at least if the fuel price increases or decreases next week, at least we have some preparation,” he said.

Although the increase is minimal, Parcon acknowledged the help provided by the PHP 12-per-liter fuel discount for traditional and modernized jeepneys since August.

Under the program, eligible units can claim the discount for up to 1,500 liters over five days, or a maximum of 30 liters per day, at participating fuel stations.

Taxis need fuel assistance too

The Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) welcomed the fare increase but said government assistance for taxi operators remains inadequate.

ATOP president Perfecto Yap described the increase as a long-overdue request from the transport sector amid successive fuel price increases.

“It is very much welcome and a long-overdue request of the transport group considering the series of increases in fuel prices and the fact that the support or subsidy being given by the government is too palliative,” Yap said.

“It is like a temporary relief that cannot even address the real problem as far as operations are concerned,” he added.

The new flag-down rate for regular taxis is PHP 65, up from PHP 50.

Yap said the increase would still help drivers cope with their daily fuel expenses.

“We really welcome that because even if that is only PHP 15, it would really address the day-to-day problem of our drivers as far as gasoline is concerned,” he said.

However, Yap decried what he described as “discrimination” in the provision of assistance to taxi operators compared with other public transport sectors.

“As far as the other [transport modes] are concerned, they are being provided [assistance]. Aside from the subcontracting, they have a PHP 12 discount. But look at the taxis, we are not given [the same assistance]. We are discriminated against as far as the ayuda, especially in the gas station rebate,” he said.

Yap was referring to the PHP 12-per-liter fuel discount, which is available only to passenger jeepneys and UV Express units.

He also cited the rollout of PHP 20,000 in monthly financial assistance for qualified transport cooperatives and corporations operating modernized PUVs.

The subsidy will be provided for three months to help ease loan obligations and operating costs.

Yap stressed that taxi operators have also been upgrading their fleets, with more than 80% of units under ATOP already modernized.

He said the burden of rising operating costs ultimately falls on operators when drivers struggle to cover their daily expenses.

Yap said the unequal treatment had prompted some drivers and operators to limit their operations to ensure they could still earn enough to take home, a situation that also affects the riding public.

He said ATOP would write to the Office of the President to appeal for similar assistance for taxi operators.

“We are one as far as land public transport is concerned,” he said.