No fare hike in Davao Region, LTFRB says

Llanos made the clarification following the decision of the LTFRB central office to allow another round of fare hikes, effective Oct. 4, 2022.

According to Llanos, the reported fare increase for public utility jeepneys, buses, and other public transport is not yet effective in Davao City, which is under the Davao Region. 

“Chances are, Davao Region is not even included in the areas where a fare hike has been approved,” Llanos said in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio.

He said there was no official announcement from the LTFRB Central office on the fare hike yet.  

Llanos said that it is important to check official documents because they state the reason for the increase in fares based on studies made by LTFRB. The official document will also define the applicability of the law, whether it is nationwide or regional or only for those who  filed the petition. 

Llanos recalled that before it releases fare hike orders, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) must first be consulted. 

“Wala pa po’y gipagawas nga official statement ang LTFRB. Akong gitan-aw ang opisyal nga kamanduan sa atoang Central office pinaagi sa atong website, unfortunately, wala pa’y nigawas nga official nga papel, either a board resolution or memorandum circular gikan sa Central Office,” he added.

Llanos emphasized that his office has not received a single petition from any transport groups for a fare hike.

“Ang akoa lang mahatag nga information nga ipahibalo, Davao Region wala ta’y nadawat nga even usa ka petition. Wala pud ko nakahibawo nga duna'y petitions nga submitted to the central office from our region nga gidirect didto sa central office, pero naay transport groups sa NCR, Region 3 and Region 4 and other transport groups outside of these regions nga nagpagawas og petition ngadto sa Central Office way back May,” Llanos further said. 

Llanos asked the public to wait for the order, because if the agency will see that the rise in the price of fuel has a nationwide impact, there will be a fare hike nationwide even though there is no petition here in Region 11. 

Llanos, however, said if Region 11 is not included in the order, his office will also follow.