Satur urges GMA: save jeepney drivers a la Maynilad; P0.63 fare recalibration "measly : QC IMC

"Pres. Arroyo should support transport workers' demand for a provisional one-peso fare hike if only to prove that her government is not favoring any single sector, business or political interest--including her own," he said. "This would also dispel claims that the LTFRB pulled out all the stops to hold off the P1.00 fare hike in order to prevent a public backlash and salvage the President's election bid."

He noted that the transport sector has not been as lucky as the oil, electricity and water distribution sectors, all of which have been deregulated since the last decade. "Oil companies can hike the prices of petroleum as often as they wish, while government regulators have been very liberal in granting the rate hike petitions of Lopez-owned utility firms like Meralco and Maynilad. Meanwhile, our transport workers have been clamoring for a fare hike in the last two years, but the government has chosen not to listen," Ocampo pointed out.

He emphasized that the transport workers' campaign for a rollback and a fare hike is part of the bigger people's struggle to control fuel prices and dismantle the oil cartel. "Bayan Muna supports the call to reinstitute price controls on petroleum products and to repeal the oil deregulation law."

"Jeepney drivers cannot simply pass on to commuters their losses from higher prices of fuel and spare parts. Drivers cannot overcharge their passengers to cover for the higher costs of electricity, water, food and rent that their households incur."

Ocampo said that the last fare hike was implemented four years ago, forcing many drivers to make do with a steadily shrinking budget. "Since September 2000 when the last fare hike was granted, diesel prices have gone up by five pesos from P12.61 per liter to around P17.65 at present."

He added that the peso's buying power has eroded to 55 centavos compared to price levels ten years ago, and 84 centavos compared to prices in 2000.

"Simply put, this means that the peso's real value now is just half its worth a decade ago. This has grave implications, especially for jeepney drivers who have to put in hours of hard work for every single peso."

Ocampo stressed that the clamor for a fare hike wouldn't have any basis if oil prices can be reduced by as much as five pesos per liter representing the oil companies' overcharging. "But that won’t happen anytime soon because deregulation allows unrestrained profits for the oil firms at the expense of consumers." #