Bus fares to increase to cope with fixed pay for drivers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu bus operators will be forced to implement the approved fare rates by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), if and when the mandated fixed wages among bus drivers will be implemented.

Julito Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association, said that bus and mini-bus operators in Cebu had opted to collect P8 for the first five kilometers and P1.25 for the succeeding kilometers instead of LTFRB's approved P8.50 for the first five kilometers and P1.35 for the succeeding kilometers.

"Mapugos gyud mi og kolekta sa approved fare rate sa LTFRB kung ipatuman gyud na sa LTFRB," said Flores.

Flores added that on Monday, during their meeting with all members of their association and the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators, they will come up with a position paper opposing the implementation of LTFRB's Memorandum Circular mandating the ficing of minimum wage and other labor standards benefits among bus drivers as well as conductors.

LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said that the said circular will take effect on February 1, 2011.

Flores added that officials of Cebu's bus operators will meet with their counterparts in Manila for them to have a unified voice in opposing such wage scheme.

Under the said circular, LTFRB provides that all public utility bus drivers and conductors shall be entitled to mandatory compensation which also includes overtime pay, night shift differential, rest day, holiday, birthday and service incentive leave pays.

Flores added that they will be seeking remedy from the court so that a temporary restraining order will be issued to stop the implementation of the said circular.

The circular also requires bus operators until July 30 to secure and submit to the LTFRB board a certificate of compliance on the wage fixing. If they fail to submit the certificate, it would be a ground for the immediate cancellation or revocation of their franchise. They will not also be allowed to apply for a new certificate of public convenience or renew existing ones.

The said circular further stated that all bus drivers and conductors shall be entitled to retirement benefits and mandatory social security benefits such as memberships in the SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig. – (FREEMAN)