Lawmakers ask Noy to scrap MRT, LRT fare hike

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino should scrap the recent increase in Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) fares, Akbayan Reps. Walden Bello and Barry Gutierrez said yesterday.

“Aquino has the power to immediately suspend if not put a permanent halt to the implementation of the fare hike. He is well within his mandate if he decides to put on hold the fare adjustment pending a comprehensive review of the scheme and its impact on the riding public,” the two said.

Aquino has supported the decision of the Department of Transportation and Communications to increase MRT-3 and LRT fares.

MRT-3 is the rail line along EDSA, while LRT is the mass rail transport system in Manila.

Bello said the fare increase is contrary to the government’s commitment to maintain and expand a viable, efficient, fast, safe and dependable public transportation system.

He criticized the policy of privatization in the transportation sector, claiming it is a failure.

He said the government should continue subsidizing vital social services like mass transportation.

Akbayan is a pro-administration party-list group, but Bello has earned rebuke from Aquino for frequently suggesting how the President should run the country.

Aquino said Bello should consider running for President. Shortly after the presidential rebuke, Akbayan disassociated itself from its congressional representative’s statements.