The drastic P3 fare increase by the Ceres Liner bus as a result of a huge spike in petroleum prices is a lame excuse. This kind of reasoning is similar to excusing a student because they say the dog ate their homework. A P3 increase is too much for commuters of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

This is not the first time Ceres has implemented a fare increase without agency approval.

In November 2016, fare increases were imposed on southbound Ceres buses. Is a fare increase justified even without consulting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)? According to LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada, “If there is a petition for [a] fare increase by taxi operators, or any transport group, they need to justify why the board should grant a fare increase and what services will be delivered.”

“Likewise, we need to hear the side of the commuters’ group before the board issues an order,” she added.

If Ceres conducted a survey of commuters on a daily basis, they would know most commuters belong to Class D and E, those with an annual income of P191,000 and P63,000, respectively. These classes are extreme segments of the population. With the added burden of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, will Class E feel the impact of price increases on other goods as well?

Where did Ceres go wrong? According to the LTFRB, there will be no fare hike until March, when fuel prices are expected to increase due to the new tax. The agency also plans to deliberate with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to determine a “justifiable” increase.

Is the increase implemented by Vallacar Transit, Inc. (VTI), Ceres’ parent company, justified? No. A P3 increase is a malignant act of oppressing people who are dependent on their company for transportation.

VTI is slowly killing the small group of buses and jeepneys that service Negros, as a result of their attempt to monopolize transportation. With such control over the industry, it is difficult for commuters to complain.

On the other hand, jeepney drivers are sensitive enough to understand middle and lower-class people and are awaiting an LTFRB announcement.

The actions taken by VTI are anti-poor and insensitive. They are making the lives of Negrenses harder. Is this the face of real change or is the burden being placed on people who wish to see change? Is a super profit always right?

To the VTI administration, the people are demanding a legal basis for the fare hikes, along with valid reasons for the decision. You owe the people an explanation, instead of hiding behind the cloak of a “petroleum price surge./WDJ