LRT, MRT riders sign petition vs fare hike

Commuters taking the Light and Metro Rail Transit (LRT/MRT) systems signed a petition Tuesday asking government not to implement a fare hike on the two public utilities. A report by radio dzBB's Allan Gatus said MRT commuters placed their signatures on a petition circulated by militant groups. The signature drive started as early as 8 a.m. in some LRT and MRT stations, including North Avenue in Quezon City. "Kulang ang budget ko sa pang-araw-araw na pagkain namin (My budget for food alone is already stretched)," said an unidentified female rider who signed the petition. She said she may be forced to take other transportation such as public buses if fares for the LRT and MRT are increased. The government earlier said it is planning to hike fares, which it said had been subsidized even by taxpayers outside Metro Manila, where the LRT and MRT systems are based. (See: MRT fare hike looms — DOTC)

Militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), which organized the signature campaign, said it will submit the signatures to the proper authorities. "Ang ating makukuha ay kakalapin natin at ibibigay sa kaukulang ahensya ng gobyerno. Hindi natin gusto ipasa sa taumbayan ang utang (The signatures we will get will be submitted to the appropriate government agencies. We do not want the burden of higher fares passed on to the people)," Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV