Manila, Philippines — Malacanang said on Tuesday that the call for fare increases by transport groups should be a “last resort” or the final option amid the increase in petroleum product prices.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during the recent press briefing, the government continues to pursue finding other ways to assist drivers and transport operators, so that commuters will not be inconvenienced.
He added that the Department of Transportation, headed by Secretary Banoy Lopez, continues to implement measures to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices, such as discounts on gasoline and toll-free privileges for buses.
Castro also said that the desire of the transport groups, led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahang Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, to continue their announced transport strike on September 29 and 30 is unavoidable.
Currently, the price of petroleum products ranges from four to eight pesos, based on the price adjustment set by the Department of Energy.—Aliyah Nono, Eurotv News