LTFRB hints at possible rollback of taxi fares

MANILA, Philippines - Following a big-time rollback of fuel prices and an expected reduction in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices this coming weekend, authorities hinted Friday at a possible rollback of taxi fares. In an interview on dzRH radio, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Thompson Lantion cited information reaching him that taxi operators are studying the rollback option, especially after the possibility of a substantial reduction in LPG prices. Many taxi operators have shifted to LPG as fuel for their units. However, he did not give further details of the prospective rollback. On the other hand, a group of jeepney operators said it is open to a 50-centavo fare rollback in the wake of a substantial rollback implemented Thursday by oil firms. But Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap) president Zenaida Maranan said a P1.50 rollback as sought by a consumers group is out of the question. "Di makakapayag ang tsuper. Pag yan ang hangad ng consumer ibalik ang P1.50 medyo dapat ipakita nila ang katotohanan na dapat talaga ay P1.50 (Our drivers won't hear of a P1.50 rollback. The groups seeking that rollback will have to justify their petition)," Maranan said in an interview on dzXL radio. Besides, Maranan said the cold weather usually triggers another hike in oil prices. She said lowering fares too much may cause them to petition for another fare increase. Transport and consumer groups are to meet again Nov. 4 to discuss a petition for a fare rollback. "Pag December, bumabalik ang taas ng presyo ng krudo, pag tag-lamig bumabalik yan. Kung tumaas ang presyo ibabalik din ito namin muli kung sakali kung tataas (By December, world oil prices are expected to rise. If we are forced to roll back prices too much, we'll have to petition for another fare increase)," Maranan said. On the other hand, Maranan said Fejodap will push for a further price rollback in fuel products. - GMANews.TV