THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against eight bus companies over allegations of fare increase without the approval of the government.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the eight companies, some of them are plying the Bicol Region routes, are now facing suspension and cancellation of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), a major document needed to operate for public transportation.
“We understand the challenges that bus companies and other operators of public utility vehicles are facing now but these challenges must never be used as a reason or as an excuse to violate existing regulations at the expense of commuters,” said Chairperson Mendoza.
“This is not acceptable and they must explain properly why they should not be penalized,” he added.
In the SCO, all the bus companies were given 10 days, upon the receipt of the SCO, to explain why its Certificate of Public Convenience should not be suspended or cancelled over allegations of imposing additional fare due to fuel increase without authorization from the LTFRB.
“All those issued with SCOs were also directed to cease and desist from overcharging or collecting additional fare,” the SCO read.
A hearing was set for all the bus companies on April 23 and the LTFRB warned that failure to submit explanation or attend hearing “shall be considered as a waiver on your part to be heard and shall cause the imposition of a penalty in the amount of P5,000.
The LTFRB earlier approved a fare increase for PUVs, including passenger buses. But President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. suspended its implementation, saying that this is not time for fare hike due to the adverse effects of the sharp oil price hikes.
“The instruction of President Marcos and DOTr Secretary Lopez is clear and simple. There must be no fare hike. And we will not allow defiance of this instruction,” said Chairperson Mendoza.
He also warned PUV operators to refrain from overcharging commuters, saying the LTFRB has already deployed mystery riders to run after erring PUV drivers and operators.
Chairperson Mendoza also urged the commuters to report to the LTFRB any case of illegal fare hike and overcharging of fares.
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