Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez has announced plans to implement the fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The decision is related to the rising prices of fuel products and the petitions of the transport group to prevent financial losses for drivers.

This challenge is directly linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The exact amount for the fare hike is not yet clear, but the agency has assured that it will implement the plan once the necessary process is completed.

A transport group, Pasang Masda is delighted with this decision, as they previously requested it to the authorities.

“Well, kung magtaas-pamasahe ay malaking tulong po ‘yan,” ayon kay Pasang Masda President Obet Martin.

[“Well, if the fare hike is implemented, that would be a big help.”]

MANIBELA Chairman Mar Valbuena stated that the ₱2 provisional fare increase is good enough to recover the financial loss for the drivers who are directly affected by the rising prices of fuel products.

“Pwede namang i-suspend din ng LTFRB kung sakali na bumaba na. ‘Yong dalawang piso po makatuwiran na po ito,” he said

[“The LTFRB can suspend just in case the [oil prices] will eventually drop. A two-peso increase is reasonable.”]

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.

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