Transport groups support fare rollback

MANILA, Philippines – Transport organizations under the banner of the United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK) nationwide are amenable to a fare rollback, as they urged their members to avail themselves of wholesale fuel prices in various filling stations across the country.

Lawyer Vigor Mendoza, 1-UTAK chairman, said recent consultations among their regional members showed that transport operators are in favor of a fare rollback.

He said the move was in recognition of Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes’ initiatives in helping transport organizations benefit from wholesale fuel prices, which would allow for a substantial reduction in fuel cost.

“If Executive Order No. 712 signed by President Arroyo can be implemented fully, commuters will definitely enjoy cheaper transport fares,” Mendoza said, referring to the order granting benefits to transport organizations, including wholesale fuel prices.

Mendoza said 1-UTAK is setting up refilling stations for its members so they can now buy fuel through wholesale pricing, which is significantly lower than pump prices.

Mendoza said the group is open to the idea of helping non-1-UTAK members since the benefit should be shared with everyone in the transport sector. 

The only requirement, he said, is for them to undergo leadership, management, entrepreneur and values formation seminars that 1-UTAK putting together with the help of Gawad Kalinga.

Although the fuel price reduction is not as big as others would want, Mendoza said it would still be a big help to drivers and operators.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier expressed optimism that a fare rollback is imminent based on recent developments, among them the series of oil price reductions.