AMID RISING FUEL COST

THE One Pangasinan Transport Federation has renewed its call for the approval of its long-pending request for a fare increase following the recent surge in fuel prices, with diesel costs rising by more than P4 per liter in the past two weeks.

Bernard Tuliao, president of the federation, said they are appealing to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to approve a P2 hike—from the current P11 minimum fare to P13—to help offset the impact of escalating fuel prices on drivers and operators.

“The increase in diesel prices is simply too heavy for us to bear, and it is affecting the daily operations of our drivers,” Tuliao said in an interview.

He added that the group plans to file a formal petition through their Manila-based counterparts to strengthen their case for a fare adjustment. The federation stressed that continuous fuel price hikes have severely affected transport operations, leaving many drivers struggling to sustain their livelihood.

With no fare adjustment despite rising operating costs, the group warned of worsening financial hardship among provincial drivers who rely solely on public transport for income.

This renewed appeal comes as the LTFRB faces growing pressure to strike a balance between protecting commuters and ensuring fair compensation for transport workers. The call was made shortly after the implementation of a wage increase in Region I to help workers cope with rising commodity prices. (Ahikam Pasion)