Transport groups led by Manibela and Piston rallied outside the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday to press for a fare increase, warning they would stage a nationwide transport strike next week if the government fails to approve the hike.

“Starting today, we are declaring a transport strike next week if no fare increase is implemented,” said Manibela president Mar Valbuena during the protest. “The public transportation sector is struggling very badly. You need to listen to us now.”

The groups are seeking a fare increase to offset rising fuel prices, while also calling for lower oil prices and a review or amendment of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Valbuena said the government has ignored the sector’s appeals for the past six months despite higher global oil prices triggered by the war in the Middle East.

LTFRB: Fare hike needs study

The LTFRB later met with transport groups to discuss proposals for a provisional fare increase ranging from P1 to P10.

“We cannot grant the P10 provisional fare increase that Piston is asking for,” LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II told reporters.

Mendoza said the agency has yet to gather sufficient data showing that commuters can afford a P10 increase in the minimum fare.

“More so, their wage hike has been suspended,” he said, referring to the suspension of the proposed P85 daily minimum wage increase for workers.

“So we have to do our math here. Can the commuters afford the P10?” he added.

Mendoza said the LTFRB would coordinate with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to determine whether a fare increase is economically feasible.

Piston stands by proposal

Piston is seeking a P10 increase in the minimum fare, while other transport groups have proposed smaller adjustments.

“What we filed is not meant to make the lives of drivers and operators better, but to provide relief so that they can continue serving our fellow citizens,” Piston president Modesto Floranda said.