Fare relief for commuters up to LGUs – PCL chief

CEBU CITY — Local government units (LGUs) are best positioned to cushion the impact of public transport fare hikes on commuters in their respective areas, Philippine Councilors League (PCL) national president Benjie Abalos said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the PCL-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter Assembly in Cebu City on Tuesday, Abalos addressed concerns over the recent fare increases approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

He noted that the national body can only offer guidance on the LTFRB-approved fare increases, saying “the ultimate action rests on local governments.”

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“On issues regarding fare increases, we may give advice, but local officials will still be the ones to execute solutions because they know the situation in their localities,” he said.

Abalos strongly encouraged local chief executives and city councilors to extend direct relief measures to affected commuters, such as implementing localized Libreng Sakay (free ride programs) or providing targeted fuel subsidies to transport operators.

However, he stressed that response strategies will naturally vary across provinces and municipalities.

“While we highly encourage local government units to extend assistance like Libreng Sakay or fuel subsidies, every local chapter has its own ideas. From us at the national level, there is no single solution for everyone,” Abalos said. /das