DOTr Acting Sec. Giovanni Lopez. Photo courtesy of Connie Calipay/ Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Monday warned bus operators against implementing fare increases without proper approval, saying violators could face penalties.
The statement came after reports that some companies operating at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) raised fares despite an earlier directive suspending hikes.
Lopez said authorities were prepared to issue citations to operators found charging higher rates without clearance from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
He added that noncompliance with fare regulations could lead to the suspension or revocation of operating permits.
Lopez stressed that any adjustment in fares must undergo approval, underscoring that unauthorized increases are a violation of existing rules.
The PITX serves as a major hub linking commuters from southern areas to various parts of Metro Manila, handling thousands of passengers daily.
The warning followed the government’s earlier move to halt a scheduled fare increase for public utility vehicles in March.
Since then, authorities have rolled out mitigation measures such as free ride programs, transport subsidies, and fare discounts as the country continues to deal with the effects of the Middle East crisis on fuel prices.
