CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Taxi and jeepney transport leaders in Cebu expressed growing concern over rising fuel prices but said no fare increase has been implemented so far, even as some groups consider filing petitions.
Richard Cabucos, president of the United Cebu Taxi Operators, said taxi operators are not seeking any fare hike yet despite increasing operational costs, particularly fuel.
Cabucos said drivers continue to feel the burden of high gasoline prices despite previous government assistance extended to operators and drivers.
“Niaging mga panahon, nakadawat man og ayuda ang mga operators ug drivers. Pero karon, lisod gihapon ang sitwasyon kay nisaka gyud ang presyo sa gasolina,” Cabucos said.
He noted that fuel prices previously peaked at around ₱80 per liter and, although they have gone down to around ₱60 to ₱63 per liter, the impact on drivers’ income remains significant.
“Bisan og niubos ‘to gamay ang presyo, dako gihapon ang epekto sa kita sa mga driver,” he added recalling the previous fuel prices before the latest Middle East war.
Cabucos said discussions on a possible fare increase have surfaced now, but no formal petition has been filed. He admitted the issue is complicated, especially with the growing number of alternative transport modes.
“Kung magtaas ta og plete, daghan na baya karon mga alternatibong sakyanan. Makaapekto usab ‘na sa among pasada,” he explained.
Aside from fare concerns, Cabucos also raised questions about the continued operation of GSM Taxi in Cebu, particularly on the issue of franchise authority. He said there are reports that franchise matters are being handled in Manila, which he finds confusing, stressing that jurisdiction should be within Cebu.
“Ngano man nga sa Manila gi-issue ang franchise nga diri man sa Cebu ang operasyon? Dapat klaro ang jurisdiction ani,” he said.
Cabucos added that they have yet to receive an official copy of any decision or document regarding the matter, saying that information so far has only been based on reports and informal discussions.
“Wala pa ‘mi nakadawat og official copy. Storya pa lang ang amo nadungog. Maghulat mi og pormal nga notice o hearing,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Cabucos said their group remains open to dialogue with concerned agencies to clarify franchise and regulatory issues.
Other Transport Groups’ Stand
Meanwhile, Greg Perez, president of Piston-Cebu, said their group is considering filing a petition for a fare increase as fuel prices continue to burden public utility drivers.
“Naa ‘mi plano nga mag-file og petition kay nisaka na gyud ang presyo sa gasolina ug diesel, Perez said in an interview.
He noted that transport groups in other regions have already taken steps to seek fare adjustments, prompting similar discussions in Cebu.
“Sa ubang rehiyon, naa na’y mga petitions nga gipasa sa laing transport groups. Posible nga mosunod pud ‘ta,” he added.
Perez said he believes jeepney fare hike petitions are justified, especially with the continued rise in diesel prices.
“Sa amuang tan-aw, angay lang gyud nga pasakaan ang plete. Grabe na ang pagsaka sa diesel ug gasolina. Lisod na kaayo sa mga driver,” he said.
He explained that while the government has fuel subsidy programs, these are not enough and do not consistently benefit drivers.
Perez criticized the current subsidy system under the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), saying the distribution mechanism has changed compared to previous years.
“Ang fuel subsidy dili na long-term solution. Usahay dili tanan driver makabenepisyo. Kung sa operator ra mapunta ug dili mahatag sa driver, dili gihapon matabangan ang naglisod,” he said.
He added that subsidies should directly reach drivers to ensure they genuinely benefit from government assistance.
Perez also mentioned a pending petition seeking a ₱5 increase for the first five kilometers of minimum fare. There are also proposals suggesting a ₱20 minimum fare for modern public utility jeepneys, while traditional jeepneys and vans may have separate rates.
“Maghulat ‘mi unsa’y desisyon sa gobyerno, pero sa among tan-aw, angay na gyud nga mosaka ang plete kay bug-at na kaayo ang gasto sa krudo,” Perez said.
He emphasized that the continued rise in fuel prices has significantly reduced drivers’ daily earnings, making fare adjustments necessary to sustain their livelihood.
“Kung padayon ni nga taas ang presyo sa krudo, dili na gyud lalim ang kahimtang sa mga driver,” he added.
Perez said their group is prepared to formally pursue the petition in the coming days while continuing dialogue with concerned government agencies.
For her part, Ellen Maghanoy, president of the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives, clarified that transport cooperatives in Cebu have not yet implemented any fare increase but are urging the government to closely monitor fuel suppliers amid continuous price hikes.
“Sa pagkakaron, wala pa ‘mi nagpasaka og plete. Ang among panawagan mao nga bantayan sa gobyerno ang mga fuel suppliers,” Maghanoy said.
She emphasized that before any fare adjustment is imposed on commuters, authorities should first look into factors driving fuel price increases, including the excise tax on petroleum products.
“Tan-awon unta ang excise tax aron maminusan ang presyo sa diesel. Dako kaayo ni’g epekto sa among operasyon,” she said.
Maghanoy pointed out that while there are claims of sufficient fuel reserves for the coming months, pump prices continue to increase.
“Nagaingon nga naa pa’y reserve for two months, pero makita nato nga mosaka gihapon ang presyo halos kada adlaw. Kinahanglan gyud bantayan ang mga bulk suppliers,” she added.
According to Maghanoy, their federation covers around 800 to 900 modernized jeepney units operating in Cebu, all of which are directly affected by fluctuations in diesel prices.
“Bisan ang bulk orders nisaka na. Bug-at na kaayo ang gasto sa krudo ug gasolina,” she said.
While acknowledging that a fare hike petition remains an option if fuel prices continue to rise, Maghanoy stressed that they are not seeking any fare hike petition yet.
“Wala sa ‘mi naghuna huna nga mopasaka og increase sa pletehan. Ang amo lang, unahon sa gobyerno ang pag-regulate sa fuel suppliers aron dili pirmi ang driver ug pasahero ang mag-antos,” she said.
Senator Cayetano on excise tax suspension
Amid the transport sector’s concerns, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano filed Proposed Senate Bill No. 1927 seeking to allow the automatic suspension or reduction of excise taxes on fuel during spikes in global oil prices.
The measure amends Section 148 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law), granting the President authority to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes once global oil prices reach a specified threshold.
Under the proposal, upon recommendation of the Development Budget Coordination Committee, the President may suspend or reduce excise taxes through an executive order if the average Dubai crude oil price for one month reaches or exceeds US$80 per barrel. The suspension or reduction will automatically be lifted once the condition is no longer present.
In their explanatory note, the senators cited instability in major oil-producing countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, warning that escalating tensions threaten global energy supply.
“These developments demonstrate the need for a responsive mechanism that authorizes the suspension of excise taxes on fuel whenever extraordinary events or external shocks significantly disrupt global oil prices,” the Cayetanos said in a statement.
They added that establishing such a safeguard would allow the government to act swiftly to mitigate inflation and shield consumers from added economic burden without waiting for new legislation.
| Written by Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/RAE
