Transport group presses Baguio, Benguet fare hike

BAGUIO CITY -- The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines Benguet Chapter urged government to grant it another fare hike following oil price hikes.

The Fejodap said in a statement continuous increase in oil prices caused bigger expenses among jeepney operators so they were demanding additional cost of at least 25 centavos to the regular fare of P7.50.

Chevron Phil. Inc., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and Petron Corporation raised oil prices Tuesday making different transport groups file petitions for fare increase.

The price of gasoline was raised to P2 per liter while diesel and kerosene was raised to P1.50 per liter.

The major oil players said increase of international product prices was the cause of rise of oil prices in the Philippines.

This, as the FEJODAP said it would wait for the move of other transport groups in the National Capital Region before pushing approval of additional 25 centavo fare increase in the Cordillera Region.

The Fejodap said while the government has no teeth in controlling oil prices, transport groups are not the only sector affected but also the riding public.-- Antonio Alvarez Sagud Jr. and /Lloyd Adrian C. Villegas