MEMBERS of a transport group in Pangasinan are disappointed that their national counterpart decided to withdraw their fare hike petition after talks with DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Alliance of United Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTOPRO) – Pangasinan is under the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), one of the major transport groups that withdrew its petition on March 9, Wednesday.

“Nung nakausap sila ni Secretary Tugade nagtataka ako bakit biglang umurong itong mga kasama naming matapos lang pangakuan na dodoblehin daw yung ayuda”, said Bernard Tuliao, president of AUTOPRO-Pangasinan.

“I was surprised to learn that our allies immediately withdrew, after being promised that they would receive twice the promised ayuda,” said Tuliao “We are wondering. We are sad. We are upset,” he added.

What irked his group and possibly other groups was they were not consulted before they decided to withdraw the fare hike petition.

His transport group was set to have another consultative meeting on March 22 to further discuss the petition believing the negotiation will continue.

The major transpo groups’ petitions were considered the ‘lifeline’ of local drivers and operators since their earlier petition was also rejected by the LTFRB.

Aside from the first tranche of financial assistance, Tugade reportedly promised another P2.5 billion in cash assistance by the first week of April.

However, while Tugade’s promise may be beneficial, he argued that not everyone would benefit from it. He said many drivers still have not received their Pantawid Pasada Cards so they cannot receive any ayuda.

He stressed the Pantawid Pasada is for the short-term solution but the higher fare will do better in the long run.

Tuliao said his group, though disappointed, will not stage a strike because to do so would affect other sectors. But another major oil price hike looming next week, some drivers have indicated plans to temporarily stop operation. Only driver-operators may be able to continue, as they do not need to pay ‘boundary’.

Tuliao, a driver-operator himself, fears that if fewer jeeps operate, others might take advantage of the high demand for transportation and will overcharged passengers.

His group  is hoping for a saving grace— be it lower fuel costs or others to continue the fight for fare hike. (Ahikam Pasion)

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